THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARENTAL STRESS AND PARENTING STYLES AMONG SINGLE MOTHERS IN DAGORETTI SOUTH CONSTITUENCY, NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA
Abstract
Parental stress significantly influences the Parenting Styles among Single Mothers. This study examined parental stress's impact on parenting styles among single Mothers of Dagoretti South Constituency in Nairobi County. The specific objective was to examine the relationship between parental stress and parenting styles among single mothers in Dagoretti South Constituency. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. The target population for the study was 2000 single mothers. Proportionate simple random sampling was used to select 179 single mothers, while Snowball sapling was used to include 12 social workers. The study adopted attachment theory and Role Theory. Questionnaires, interview guides and the focus group discussion guides were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using both inferential statistics (Pearson’s correlation coefficient) and descriptive statistics, such as frequencies and percentages. The analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 29. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis and presented in a verbatim form. The study found a moderate, positive, and statistically significant relationship between parental stress and parenting styles (r = 0.523, p < 0.01), indicating that higher stress is associated with harsher and less effective parenting practices. The study recommends that policymakers strengthen economic and social protection for single mothers through affordable childcare, housing support, and flexible labor policies. Community-based parenting education and psychosocial support services should be expanded to reduce stress and promote positive parenting.
Key words: Kenya, Dagoretti South, Parental Stress, Parenting Styles, Single Mothers
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