ABSTRACT
This chapter assesses coping strategies used by 318 black single mothers faced with conflicting role demands and stress. The women experienced intense stress, but stress levels were lower for women who were living with their extended kin. Conflicts existed between the role of mother and employee and between the women's work and childrearing. For conflicts, women selected the least healthy of the three possible coping strategies. Stress was highest for women who met demands by restricting their own career or personal choices. The mothers' perception of stress from various sources was obtained for each of the types or sources of stress that were identified in the original and extended forms of the stress scale. The factors included were: finances, housing, work, male-female relations, parenting, health, personal relations, legal matters, and personal habits. Most women who support themselves and their children do so without depending upon public or private charity.
