Adolescents in Single-Parent Families: A Review

Abstract

Adolescence, a critical developmental stage, is significantly influenced by family structure, particularly in single-parent households. This review examines the psychosocial, educational, behavioral, and economic challenges faced by adolescents raised by a single parent. While such environments may foster resilience and independence, they often correlate with heightened risks of emotional distress, academic underperformance, behavioral issues, and economic hardship. Contributing factors include reduced parental supervision, financial constraints, and limited emotional support. The review highlights the pivotal role of social work interventions in mitigating these challenges through targeted support in education, emotional well-being, family dynamics, and community integration. Social workers employ individualized strategies, facilitate access to mental health resources, and advocate for inclusive policies to promote adolescent adjustment and resilience. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive support systems and future research into long-term outcomes and intervention efficacy for adolescents in single-parent families.