Home⇛International Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business and Education Research⇛vol. 6 no. 12 (2025)

Psychological Perspectives of Single Mothers in Higher Education Institutions: Implications for Women’s Self-Empowerment

Cherrylyn G. Lazaro | Eufemia C. Ayro | Michaela Jennarine DL Cruz-Vidal | Evangeline I. Agpoon

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

This study examined the psychological perspectives of single mothers employed in higher education institutions and their implications for women’s self-empowerment. Guided by Carol Ryff’s Theory of Psycho-logical Well-Being, the research focused on five dimensions—self-ac-ceptance, relationships with others, autonomy, purpose in life, and per-sonal growth. Using descriptive research design, data were gathered from purposively selected 49 single mothers in Cabanatuan City through a validated 25-item questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. Findings revealed that respondents strongly agreed on self-ac-ceptance, autonomy, purpose in life, and personal growth, while they agreed on their relationships with others. The results highlight that sin-gle mothers exhibit resilience, autonomy, and a strong sense of pur-pose, though they remain guarded in forming deeper interpersonal re-lationships. These findings imply the need for holistic empowerment initiatives that reinforce strengths in self-acceptance, independence, and growth while addressing vulnerabilities in relational support. The study concludes that empowering single mothers requires both per-sonal development opportunities and institutional policies that recog-nize their dual roles as educators and sole caregivers, thereby fostering their well-being and capacity to thrive.



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