Peer-reviewed article
Beyond Adversity: Resilience and Coping Strategies of Single Teen Mothers in Rwanda
Genereuse Mukayisenga, Eddy Walakira, Vincent Sezibera, Ann Christin E. Nilsen ·
Summary
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Abstract
Teen motherhood is a growing global problem that affects thousands of young girls annually, especially in developing countries. It causes complex challenges that can affect the future opportunities of teen mothers if strong coping strategies are not in place. This study aims to explore resilience and coping strategies of single teen mothers in the face of adversity. This study employed a qualitative research approach. Life story interviews were conducted with 10 single teen mothers, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with six mothers of these single teen mothers. Using thematic analysis, recurring themes and patterns were identified in the participants’ narratives. Single teen mothers faced sleeplessness and energy loss, feelings of aimlessness and self-defeat, and limited social support networks as key hardships associated with early motherhood. Single teen mothers’ agency and resilience were supported by both informal and formal social support systems that enhanced coping skills, optimism, and access to some opportunities. Single teen mothers face complex adversities, for which solutions require resilience-oriented interventions that can thus lead to sustainable solutions grounded in the strengths of single teen mothers. As such, future research should explore single teen mothers’ perspectives on future opportunities by examining the long-term advantages of supporting interventions.