Abstract:
The objectives of this research were to examine the experiences, adaptation, and lifestyle as well as to synthesize lifestyle patterns of successful single mother families. This study follows the qualitative research approach applying phenomenological research strategy. The key informants were 13 successful single mothers living in the lower part of North Eastern region of Thailand from Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces.
They were identified by the mean of purposive sampling method. The data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The data was analyzed according to the Creswells phenomenological research analysis approache. The results of the research were as follows:
1. The experiences and adaptation of successful single mother families can be divided into 3 phases: The crisis phase of newly becoming single mothers was the phase that the families faced problems; The adaptation phase after becoming single mother families was the phase that the families adapted themselves to the problems; and the new life balance phase was the phase that the families had security and achieve success.
2. Lifestyle of single mother families consisted of activities with specific patterns
affecting on the success of single mother families. The patterns were relationship management in the families, child rearing in single mother families, financial management, and social and image management of single mothers.
3. Lifestyle patterns of successful single mother families can be divided into
2 patterns: co-op single mother families who had the resources to support them and fighter-single
mother families who have learned from encountering various situations. In addition, the mental toughness of these single mothers can render the success to the families eventually.