The research explored the lived experiences of low-income single mothers, to understand the psychosocial life course pathways that might expose them to chains of risks. Studies have found a high prevalence of co-occurring poverty, single parenthood, unemployment, violence, and multiple life traumas among rural unmarried women. It is important to explore how single mothers are vulnerable to poverty and its many effects and how these factors heighten adverse experiences of unmarried rural women. Fifteen low-income unmarried Botswana mothers were purposively sampled. A narrative approach was used to collect data, allowing participants to share detailed lived experiences from childhood to adulthood. The study used a life course framework to explore the lived experiences, transitions, events, and trajectories of the women’s lives. Women’s narratives conveyed exposure to emotional, physical abuse and neglect in childhood; teenage pregnancy and the poverty connection; exposure to intimate partner violence; and multiple pregnancies and promised and suspended marriage. The study suggests that several life events and experiences have negatively influenced and skewed transitions and trajectories in the lives of low-income women. There is need for establishment of family policy and safety net programmes to cater for low-income mothers’ families.

该研究探索了低收入单身母亲的生活经历，以了解可能使她们面临一系列风险的心理社会生命历程路径。研究发现，农村未婚妇女同时存在贫困、单亲、失业、暴力和多重生活创伤的情况非常普遍。重要的是要探索单身母亲如何容易陷入贫困及其诸多影响，以及这些因素如何加剧未婚农村妇女的不良经历。十五名低收入未婚博茨瓦纳母亲被有目的地抽样。使用叙述方法收集数据，让参与者分享从童年到成年的详细生活经历。该研究使用生命历程框架来探索女性生活的生活经历、转变、事件和轨迹。妇女的叙述传达了童年时期遭受情感、身体虐待和忽视的经历；少女怀孕与贫困的联系；暴露于亲密伴侣暴力；多次怀孕以及承诺和暂停婚姻。该研究表明，一些生活事件和经历对低收入女性的生活转变和轨迹产生了负面影响和扭曲。需要制定家庭政策和安全网方案，以满足低收入母亲家庭的需要。该研究表明，一些生活事件和经历对低收入女性的生活转变和轨迹产生了负面影响和扭曲。需要制定家庭政策和安全网方案，以满足低收入母亲家庭的需要。该研究表明，一些生活事件和经历对低收入女性的生活转变和轨迹产生了负面影响和扭曲。需要制定家庭政策和安全网方案，以满足低收入母亲家庭的需要。