Aguiniga, Trawver co-author article on low-income mothers’ perspectives about their intimate partner relationships
by Ahliil Saitanan |
School of Social Work faculty members Donna Aguiniga and Kathi Trawver co-authored an article, titled "Perspectives of low-income mothers about their intimate partner relationships," that was published in the Journal of Family Social Work.
To help fill the gaps in their support system and meet the needs of their families, low-income mothers may develop or maintain intimate partner relationships. This study employs the voices of 22 low-income mothers to examine the factors that influence how low-income mothers’ perceive their intimate partner relationships.
According to the article abstract, researchers employed a semi-structured interview guide to encourage participants’ reflection about characteristics they seek in an intimate partner, their most recent relationships, and the types of help they want from an intimate partner. A grounded theory approach was used to identify key themes. Identified themes include the impact of participants’ personal history and the centrality of their role as a mother. Past experiences of abuse and violence experienced by many low-income mothers made it difficult for them to trust.
This research provides insight into the experiences of low-income mothers and intimate partner relationships that can be used in future theoretical model development. Practice implications include the need for trauma-informed services and increased social service programs for mothers leaving problematic relationships.
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