Tools
Tools
Thomas, Danielle Rebecca (2025) The Influence of Financial Threat, Psychological Distress, and Coping on Irelands’ Single Mothers Life Satisfaction. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.
Preview |
PDF (Bachelor of Arts)
Download (1MB) | Preview |
Abstract
Single mothers in Ireland are one of the most vulnerable groups at risk of poverty, deprivation and multiple stress exposure. Much research has explored the impact of financial circumstances on life satisfaction. However, financial threat has not been explored to date. This study aimed to examine the influence of financial threat, psychological distress, adaptive and maladaptive coping on Ireland’s single mothers’ life satisfaction, whilst also considering individual demographic influences (age, living situation, employment status, custody status and number of children). The sample consisted of 154 single mothers, which were recruited through non-probability sampling methods. This study employed a cross-sectional, quantitative design. Participants’ data was gathered through an online survey, which included demographic questions alongside the Financial Threat Scale, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Brief-COPE Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Results found high financial threat and psychological distress associated with lower life satisfaction, whilst high financial threat was associated with high psychological distress. Results from hierarchical regression found financial threat was the strongest predicter of life satisfaction, followed by adaptive and maladaptive coping. Psychological distress was insignificant once coping was considered. Coping strategies may buffer psychological distress associated with financial threat although may be less impactful in relieving financial threat associated with broad structural barriers. Findings have important practical implications for policy reform to address the financial insecurity of single mothers, and for mental health support to build adaptive coping skills and resilience.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Undergraduate) |
|---|---|
| Supervisors: | Name Email Coughlan, Barry UNSPECIFIED |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Single mothers; financial threat; psychological distress; coping; life satisfaction |
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Stress (Psychology) |
| Divisions: | School of Business (- 2025) > BA (Honours) in Psychology |
| Depositing User: | Ciara O'Brien |
| Date Deposited: | 17 Nov 2025 16:32 |
| Last Modified: | 17 Nov 2025 16:32 |
| URI: | https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/8936 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |