Single-parent Family Structure, Psychological, Social and Cognitive Development of Children in Ekiti State

The study investigated the prevalence and influence of single parenthood on school children. It also investigated the influence of single parenthood on children emotional, intellectual development and sex role. 1,500 respondents were selected using simple and purposive sampling techniques. A self designed instrument titled Family Structure and Child Development Inventory (FSCDI) was used for collection of data. The instrument was validated by experts in Counseling Psychology. The test-retest reliability of the instrument was ensured using Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient. The reliability coefficient of the instrument was 0.76 and found significant at 0.05 level The other instrument used for collection of data was the Psychosocial and Cognitive Development Scale (PCDS) which is a measure for the assessment of psychogical social and cognitive development of children validated by test experts. The scale gives a score for each dimension and also a Total Development Score in a rating scale format from 1=lower development to 6=higher development. For the purpose of this study, it was only assessed the Total Development Score. It was found out that single parent family affected emotional and intellectual development of children. It was also found out that single parenthood influences sex roles of the respondents. It was recommended that couples should not consider divorce as solution to ripples in marriages. Parents should enhance harmony of their marriages to enhance social and cognitive well being of their children.