THE INFLUENCE OF A BIG-BROTHERS PROGRAM ON THE ADJUSTMENT OF BOYS IN SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES

This study is an evaluation of the self-competence, academic performan ce, behavioral problems, and parent-child relations of boys who had be en raised in single-parent families headed by their mothers and who ha d weekly contact with an adult friend or companion through a midwester n affiliate of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America. Results indica ted that participation in such a program was not related to changes in the areas investigated. These findings are not consistent with the so cial support literature suggesting that an adult companion or friend m ay benefit children in single-parent families. Further study with a la rger sample, over a longer time frame, is recommended.