THE PARENTING EXPERIENCE OF LOW-INCOME SINGLE WOMEN WITH SERIOUS MENTAL-DISORDERS

The author describes an exploratory, qualitative research study focusi ng on 10 single, low-income mothers with chronic mental illness who li ved with their children in a supportive residential program. The mothe rs were interviewed and observed at the child-care center associated w ith the program. In addition, a comparison group of eight low-income, single mothers whose children attended a community day-care center wer e interviewed. The two groups of mothers viewed their children as cent ral to their lives. Both groups of spoke of struggles. The mentally il l mothers' struggles pertained to maintaining custody, whereas the non -mentally ill mothers focused on economic survival. Overwhelmingly, th e mothers with mental illness wanted to live normal lives as mothers, wives, and workers.