Motherhood: Examining the social well-being and social support of mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly exposed levels of well-being for all human beings. This research project aimed to bring light to the experiences of mothers’ and how social support factors affect the social well-being of women who are during the COVID-19 mothers during the period of a pandemic. Previous research studies have examined mental health during periods of crisis and natural disasters; however, very few studies examine how these impacts vary and are influenced by economic factors, race, and social support of mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research shows that women, many of whom are mothers, feel a high level of stress and anxiety when faced with uncertainty during a pandemic, such as COVID-19. This study analytically examined the social support variables that affected social well-being of mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic and how socioeconomic factors influenced perceived and received support. Specifically, this dissertation presents five hypotheses. Quantitative methodology and correlational design were utilized to assess the research questions and hypotheses. The majority of participants were white student mothers residing in a southwestern, suburban college town. Results indicated that there was no significant difference amongst racial groups, social support, parental responsibility, employment, and income. When examining education, there were significant differences in the well-being of mothers. Mothers with higher levels of education result in lower levels of well-being than mothers with lower education levels. Social support did not show significant difference on education. Findings from this study can be used to contribute to literature, policy, and optimistically, responsiveness to well-being disparities of mothers during times of crisis.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Sociology

Grantor

Texas Woman's University

Date dc:date.issued

May-23

Author dc:creator

• Holmes, Sonya Kay

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Bones, Paul
• Gullion, Jessica S

Committee member dc:contributor.committeemember

• Kelly-Ricks, Nila

• Motherhood
• Social support
• Social wellbeing
• COVID-19

Language dc:language.iso

English

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/11274/15138

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:twu-ir.tdl.org:11274/15138