Degree
Master of Science
Program
Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Supervisor
Dr. Jan Polgar
2nd Supervisor
Donna Dennis
Joint Supervisor
Abstract
This thesis is a study of the lived experience of poverty and resilience among women who lived in poverty during childhood. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of social integration on resilience to the adverse effects of poverty. This investigation was conducted as a retrospective study. Using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach, seven women who lived in poverty during childhood were interviewed in semi-structured interviews lasting 60 to 90 minutes. These interviews, along with a member-checking meeting, were the primary method of data collection. Data was analyzed through thematic analysis informed by van Manen (1990, 1997). The major themes of this thesis arose from three main concepts: the challenges of poverty, the impact of poverty, and the adaptations made due to living in poverty. Social integration was found to influence resilience through providing support, and enabling children to gain social capital. It is suggested that resilience can be supported in children by: maximizing opportunities for participation in group activities; ensuring a culture of caring and non-judgmental support; and increasing presence of organizations that provide safe and supportive programs.
Recommended Citation
Peter, Nedra R., "The Impact of Social Integration on The Lived Experience of Resilience Among Women who Lived in Poverty During Childhood" (2013). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 1606.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/1606
Included in
Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Maternal and Child Health Commons, Other Mental and Social Health Commons, Social Psychology Commons, Social Psychology and Interaction Commons, Social Work Commons, Women's Health Commons