The Effect of Supporting Single Parents’ Housing, Life, and Child Care Policies for Unmarried Adolescents: Effects on Self-Assessment of Parenting

Abstract

This study reviewed variables influencing self-evaluation of parenting among adolescent single parents, focusing on their economic situation, child care situation, and policy support benefit status. The analysis used data from the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs' 'Survey on the Birth and Parenting of Unmarried Mothers', examining 252 'unmarried adolescent single parents' under the age of 24, with statistically verified data. Several findings emerged. First, most single adolescent parents were relying on government subsidies, with many not receiving child support from the fathers of their children. These young single parents typically lived with one preschool child and expressed high demands for support in areas such as childcare and education expenses, counseling and education for both children and mothers, flexible working hours for counseling and leave for childcare and work compatibility, and support for care facilities and services. Second, in terms of policy support, the benefit rate of the National Basic Livelihood Security System and childcare fees was high, and satisfaction was also high. The child care service had a low benefit rate compared to the recognition rate but high satisfaction. Third, the level of self-evaluation of parenting was higher among those who were physically healthier and who received more policy support benefits. However, high levels of life stress weakened the positive effect of policy support on the self-evaluation of parenting. The research suggests that policy support for adolescent single parents should include structured, step-by-step interventions along with counseling for psycho-emotional stability and stress management to enhance self-identify and parental efficacy.