A LITERATURE REVIEW: HOW DID COVID-19 AFFECT SINGLE PARENTS AND ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

This paper reviews the literature on single mothers and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, single mothers and adolescents were one of the most vulnerable groups. They were negatively affected by economic resources and emotional distress. Method: This literature review was conducted by applying the Ecological Systems Theory, specifically, the exosystem, mesosystem, and microsystem. Results: The findings reveal that single mothers struggled financially and mentally. Adolescents struggled with mental health and resources such as internet access, food insecurity, and social support. The findings also revealed that financial insecurity and emotional distress were correlated. Conclusions: There were limitations to these conclusions: this research is relatively new, and recent findings are coming to light every day. In conclusion, single mothers and adolescents had a hard time concerning the pandemic but found the stimulus and child tax credit to help tremendously.