A Comparison of Interpersonal Problem Solving and Life Satisfaction Level between Students with Single Parents and Two Parents

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences between single-parent and two-parent students’ level of interpersonal problem solving and life satisfaction. With this purpose, 256 high school students (128 single-parent, 128 two parents) completed Interpersonal Problem Solving Inventory (Çam & Tümkaya, 2008) and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (Diener, Emmons, Larsen, & Griffin, 1985; Köker, 1991). Results revealed that students from single-parent families approached more negatively to interpersonal problems, used more insistentpersevering approach, and exhibited more constructive problem solving skills when compared with their counterparts. The results also indicated that students from two-parent families were more satisfied with their life. In the light of these findings, suggestions for preventive guidance interventions targeting students from single-parent families were emphasized and ideas for future research are discussed.