Action Research Report

Running head: EXPLORING TECHNOLOGY FOR A COMMUNITY 1
Exploring Technology for a Community:
Isolation of “Stay at Home” Mothers
Amy J. Priest
University of Colorado Denver

Running head: EXPLORING TECHNOLOGY FOR A COMMUNITY 2
Introduction and Problem Statement
As a “stay at home” mother (SAHM) in rural Colorado, I have often felt lonely. To feel
less isolated, I have utilized technology, especially social networking sites. Social networking
has provided an easily accessible and practical means to gain information about resources for
SAHMs. Discussions with other mothers have normalized my feelings and have helped me to
build a community of support. Rural areas typically do not offer the variety of opportunities for
women to connect with one another and to discuss their everyday concerns. Moreover, the lack
of resources and facilities in rural communities could increase feelings of isolation. Isolation
could erode self-esteem, impacting family life and ties to the community. I am wondering to
what extent and how social networking could benefit other SAHMs to connect with one another
and to feel less isolated
Purpose and Intended Audience
The purpose of this research was to identify ways in which technology could help build a
community for isolated SAHMs in rural Colorado. The intended audience was SAHMs from
across the Western Slope who do not currently work full-time outside of the home. Additionally,
my peer reviewers, instructor, and portfolio reviewers will have access to this study. Community
stakeholders who bring resources and information to mothers and families in rural areas may also
be interested in my findings.
Research Questions
My research focused on two questions. The first question was: To what extent do
SAHMs feel isolated in my rural area? Knowing to what extent SAHMs feel isolated here could
help develop appropriate social support networks and resources to address their needs. The
second question was: If I set up a focus group for SAHMs in my rural area, in what ways could
EXPLORING TECHNOLOGY FOR A COMMUNITY 3
technology change their perceived feelings of isolation? Few community structures currently
exist for SAHMs to connect with each other; technology may offer a structure of support.
Context
According to the 2006-2008 American Community Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau,
about 20,000 females reside in my county. Over half of the total county population, 52.6%, is
between the ages of 15-44, typically considered to be the demographic for childbearing. Family
households constitute 69% of the total population, with the average household size 2.46 and the
average family size 2.99. Of all females in the county who are sixteen years or older, it is
estimated that about 44% are not in the labor force.
Literature Review
Literature Search Questions
The purpose of my literature review was to examine the extent of isolation among
SAHMs and to explore the link between social isolation and technology. Specifically, I wanted
to know:
How does the literature define the role for SAHMs?
What does the literature say about isolation among SAHMs?
In what ways could technology support community building for SAHMs?
Literature Search Procedures
After a search within Google Scholar, I decided to utilize the Auraria Library databases.
I started with a basic wildcard search of “stay at home mothers.” Locating 360 articles, I saved
the most relevant to a World cat list for further review. Skimming through the titles, I realized
that most articles explored the division between employed mothers and SAHMs. The SAHM
articles addressed economic or social issues: family/work decisions, childcare, health care, and
mothering roles. I then used multi-subject databases Academic Search Premier and One File to
find other articles. These searches yielded only one additional article, so I refined my search to
motherhood-sociology, which yielded 83 articles. I also looked at motherhood-psychological
aspects and motherhood-sociological aspects. When I further narrowed the scope to SAHMs in
the One File database and limited the articles to peer-reviewed documents, I found thirty articles.
Searches on other subtopics proved frustrating. I used One File to search motherhood,
narrowing results to isolation. Some common themes emerging from these article titles included:
politics, sex, childbearing, health, balancing career and family, and marriage. Next, I decided to
refine my search to community and reports; most reports were related to community health
issues or were specific to a group or population. When I examined the link between motherhood
and technology in the literature, I found many articles on reproductive technologies. I decided to
return to Google Scholar to do an advanced search on stay at home mothers* “isolation”. This
yielded 97,600 articles. I skimmed through the first 500, finding seven that had potentially new
information.
Literature Review Findings
Stay at home mothers. Motherhood has been a subject of much research, although
mothers themselves have not been the primary focus. Most studies have highlighted the subject
of a mother in her role as caretaker for her children or partners (Medina & Magnuson, 2009).
Some common themes in the literature included the “good mother” vs. the “bad mother,”
childcare, and family issues. Most research on the subject of motherhood centered on working
mothers, specifically employment and family issues.
Until the mid 1990s, very little research existed that focused solely on SAHMs.
Researchers started to bring attention to the experiences of SAHMs. For example, Oberman and
Josselson (1996) declared: “serious psychological study of the experience and development of
mothering is certainly warranted. Now that we recognize…the relevance of mother as subject,
we need a fuller consideration of how she actually functions and experiences herself in this role”
(p. 343). Their model, the Matrix of Tensions, argued that mothers have a range of complex,
significant experiences that all mothers, not just working mothers, experience (Oberman &
Josselson, 1996).
According to Michaels (2009):
The aftermath of the demand from the women’s movement for maternal liberation, has
suspended mothers like fruit in a Jell-O mold…[there are] incredibly inflated standards of
mothering that have colonized women’s lives in the past two decades…these standards
provide the matrix within which “opt-out” mothers justify their decision to leave the
workforce. (p. 319)
The rise of feminist scholarly research, ironically, has focused primarily on the “mommy wars,”
the social and cultural divide existing between women in the workforce and women at home.
Current research still seems to be biased toward issues affecting women who work outside of the
home; meanwhile, the experiences of SAHMs offer new opportunities for scholarly
investigation. Schultheiss (2009) declared “theory and research on those whose work is full-time
motherhood are conspicuously absent” (p. 25).
Isolation. The research was also deficient in examining isolation among stay at home
mothers. Few, if any, studies have looked at the experiences of SAHMs, especially in rural
communities. The Matrix of Tensions recognized the primacy of isolation in their model of
motherhood. Obermann and Johnson (1996) believed “This growth of self and loss of self is one
of the most central dynamics of mothering… the issues of loss versus expansion of self have
been more fully explored and more frequently discussed than the other tensions of motherhood”
(p. 349). If loss of self is one of the tensions that mothers experience, then isolation is possible.
Moren-Cross and Drentea (2005) agreed with many researchers who argued, “mothers are
increasingly isolated in postmodern society” (p. 921). Individual values and personalities
influence factors leading to positive, neutral, or negative feelings toward overall contentment as
a mother (Vejar, Madison-Colmore, & Ter Maat, 2006). Negative feelings toward mothering,
even if they are perceptions, could cause women to feel isolated. In fact, SAHMs may
experience isolation in three stages of pre-SAHM, the SAHM experience, and post-SAHM
(Vejar et al., 2006). In fact, one of the mothers in the qualitative analysis for this model assumed
that “fulltime mothers may suffer similar intellectual, mental, or physical stressors when they
terminate their professional identities” (Vejar et al., 2006). When women leave their
professional work, it can also become difficult to maintain a feeling of community with
colleagues. In order to overcome maternal isolation, many mothers may seek a maternal
community (Obermann & Johnson, 1996).
Social support through community and technology. Social support research may
provide one theoretical lens in which to approach the isolation of SAHMs. Throughout the
1980s, many studies investigated social support. Social support has been defined in various
ways. According to the main effect model, people benefit from social networks and support
from a lot of people (Cohen & Wills, 1985). House (1981) argued that one useful framework for
further action research examines these dimensions for social support: emotional, instrumental,
and informational support (as cited in Cooke et al., 1988, p. 211).
Most research concerning online networks in support of social support theory has focused
on three areas: health care, parenting support, and motherhood. Women’s online communities
may offer one way to provide social support to isolated rural SAHMs. They offer a supportive
community where information can be exchanged and experiences of mothering can be shared
(Moren-Cross & Drentea, 2005). Another model proposed from a qualitative research study
conducted in rural Canada suggested that SAHMs might look for emotional support,
informational support, and instrumental support directly within their communities (Hunting,
2009). According to Hunting (2009), “the literature is deficient in regards to the experiences of
online peer-based social support for the average new mother” (p. 37).
The social informatics framework could help address this research gap. Information and
communication technologies (ICT) can offer a means to broaden social support within a
community. Development of the technologies, however, should carefully consider the social
context. Fusco, Michael, and Michael (2010) found “information and communication
technology are not designed in social isolation, that a social context does exist, and it does
influence the manner in which ICT is developed, used and ultimately has a social impact” (p. 2).
The key features of social informatics involves these concepts:
Identifying problems of technology usage
Understanding the socio-technical context
Using social theories
Combining informatics with other disciplines
Approaching the study holistically
Quality of Literature
The quality of the literature was questionable, since literature on motherhood was
extensive, but literature on SAHMs was scant. Specifically, social support articles addressing
isolation among SAHMs were deficient. The experiences of SAHMs have been overlooked in
the literature. Since few articles exist, my overall approach to my action research design relied
heavily on three theoretical frameworks, which may create a new research model but may not be
enough research to draw a generalizable conclusion.
My first framework, the Matrix of Tensions, was a relatively new view of motherhood.
The approach of the researcher seemed comprehensive but extremely liberal. In addition, few
other studies have utilized or cited this model in their research.
The second framework, the SAHM model, relied on qualitative research of four
participants. All four women left employment to become SAHMs. This particular approach
may not be generalizable to all populations, and the researcher drew on professional, middle
class values to draw specific conclusions. This article reflected a trend in the research on
fulltime motherhood. Most studies have focused on subgroups, such as SAHMs who leave
careers or highly educated women (Vejar et al., 2006; Wooten & Rubin, 2007). The literature
assumed that women have a choice, which is a feminist notion, but the feminist scholarly
literature was biased toward women who work and assumed that SAHMs do not work. Not
enough studies have considered racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, cultural, and gender viewpoints
that would be applicable to SAHMs.
The third Social Informatics Framework discounted that technology shapes society or
that society shapes technology but blended the two theories into one. “In contrast to technologic
determinism and social shaping of technology theories, the social informatics framework
highlights the mutual shaping of technology and society, both molding each other at the same
time” (Fusco et al., 2010, p. 3). This framework offered a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to
connecting technology to societal problems.

Most of my articles, however, reflected a psychological viewpoint. Other selected
articles drew on various disciplines, including sociology, women’s studies, and informational
technology. I strongly relied on research on motherhood and not as much on those on
technology and community building, which weakened my overall argument. Most of my articles
were peer-reviewed.
My review of particular articles fit my theoretical lens and may have reflected personal
biases. I am currently a SAHM, but I also left my professional identity as an educator in the
public school system. Having gone from a professional to a fulltime mother, I certainly could
relate my own experiences in many of the studies. In addition, my cultural feminist viewpoint
may be reflected in my approach to the literature.
Gap in Literature
The gap in the literature was apparent. The literature has focused extensively on
motherhood but not on mothers themselves. While focusing on the experiences of mothers who
work outside of the home, the experiences of SAHMs have been overlooked. To support societal
changes that have made balancing work and family life a reality for many women, subgroups
within SAHM populations should be explored for relevant themes. Society undervalues the
work of SAHMs; research into their worlds could help find new ways to define work. This study
was necessary because my literature review showed that the experiences of SAHMs have not
been fully researched. Many SAHMs may feel isolated, which affects family life and
communities. One solution to reduce isolation among SAHMs is to create maternal
communities. In addition, studying the range of experiences of SAHMs will make the approach
to solving other women, family, and community issues more inclusive.

Summary of Literature Review
The purpose of this literature review was to investigate the extent of isolation among
SAHMs and to consider the link in the literature between social isolation and technology. I
looked at how the literature defines motherhood and found that SAHMs have not been included
in many studies on motherhood. Additionally, more research into isolation of SAHMs should be
included in the literature. Finally, few models and frameworks exist for building community for
SAHMs through technology.
Methods
This study was an action inquiry design. My data collection methods included interviews
and a focus group. I interviewed thirteen SAHMs from across the Western Slope who do not
currently work full-time outside of the home. Additionally, I invited eight of these participants
to a focus group, and four SAHMs attended to discuss their isolation and uses of technology.
Below is a table that links each research question to its data collection method.
Table 1
Questions and Methods
Research Question Data Collection Method
To what extent do “stay at home” mothers feel Interviews- face-to-face, phone, and/or online
isolated in my rural area?
If I set up a focus group for “stay at home” Focus group
mothers in my rural area, in what ways could
technology change their perceived feelings of
isolation?
Table 1
Participants
I interviewed mothers who live in the Western Slope region of Colorado. The
classification of a SAHM is economically, socially, and culturally constructed. Some mothers
might consider themselves “stay at home” moms, but they may work from home, do in-home
day care, or work only part-time on evenings and weekends. Although I defined a SAHM as a
female who does not work full-time outside of the home, I included any individual who
identified herself as a “stay at home” mom.
Data Collection
I first e-mailed a request for participation along with interview questions to an e-mail list
of 100 names from a KinderMusic class roster (Appendix A). Because only 3% of this particular
population responded, I initiated conversations for interviews with mothers at their children’s
gymnastics class. I visited three local parks on two separate days to find other participants. I
also sent a Facebook message to three SAHMs and asked them to forward my request on to other
SAHMs (Appendix B). In total, I interviewed thirteen SAHMs, asking them each seven
questions (Appendix C). From this interview pool, I then randomly selected eight SAHMs and
e-mailed them to participate in a focus group. I also phoned them a few days later by using
information on their consent forms (Appendix D). Although I invited eight of the interviewees
to come to a focus group at my home, only four women were able to attend (Appendix E).
Data Analysis
Interview data analysis. I analyzed data from the interview process using qualitative
analysis. I identified the responses that best typified the experiences of “stay at home” moms in
my rural area by highlighting similar themes while identifying statements that stood out from
other comments. I then sorted the responses into categories, using a thematic approach to
develop my report framework. To develop theme categories, I specifically focused on responses
to interview question #6, Have you ever felt isolated as a “stay at home” mom? (Appendix C).
For any other categories, I examined responses to interview question #5, What do you not like
about being a “stay at home” mom? (Appendix C). In addition to qualitative analysis, I used the
Likert scale, having all interviewees rate the extent to which they feel isolated. I tabulated all
numerical values to derive a mean that would help support the qualitative data.
Focus group data analysis. Data analysis of the focus group required several steps.
First, I carefully listened to the forty minute recording of conversation in order to create a focus
group interview transcript (Appendix F). If conversations were too personal or did not pertain to
my original questions of inquiry, I eliminated them from the transcript. I reviewed the data by
using the categorizing and coding procedure described previously, but I also focused on
identifying key experiences of the focus group members. I focused more on commonalities
among experiences than on differences. By defining the features that affected participant
experiences, I was able to identify common themes. Furthermore, I was also able to poll focus
group members specifically on their uses of technology in various contexts. This quantitative
data supported the qualitative data in helping to draw specific conclusions about my overall
findings.
Schedule
My original proposed schedule, explanation for timeline adjustments, and updated
schedule can be found in Appendix G.

Impact of Research
The impact of research on participants and community was mostly positive. SAHMs
who feel extremely isolated were a challenge to find through traditional data collection methods.
I found that most participants responded positively to the proposed interview process, especially
if they viewed the process as a conversation. The formation of a focus group also impacted
participants and the community in a positive way. Since few opportunities previously existed in
our community to discuss experiences with other mothers, my research offered an approach for
utilizing technology to solve a community problem. Technology could play a significant role in
helping to create a feeling of community for mothers.
I also considered the negative impact of my findings. My focus group was not
representative of the community. Deciding on an appropriate time and place was a challenge
with my own role as a SAHM. Personally, I had to be careful with my interpretation of results,
so I did not inject my own perceived feelings of isolation. Socially, this action research
definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone, to talk to people in local settings. Some
participants wanted to maintain their privacy and were less willing to reveal their experiences in
a group setting. The interview process offered more data than the focus group, so I had to adjust
my timeline, personal goals, and data collection methods to answer the intended research
questions.
Ethical Procedures
I ethically collected and analyzed all data. Before engaging participants in the interview
process and focus group, I used an informed consent and agreement to participate. I outlined
their rights and clearly communicated their access to information. This consent protected their
privacy, as their responses were used for the purpose of research only. In the focus group, all
responses shared were kept confidential within the focus group discussions. I also deleted any
personally revealing information from the focus group transcript. All data was kept anonymous.
Checks for Rigor
I considered reliability and validity in my data analysis. Because it relied on prolonged
engagement with interviewees, my data collection had credibility. I also used a mixed method
design to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data that support each other. I e-mailed a
transcript to all focus group members to check it for accuracy. Debriefing was also an important
part of the two hour recorded focus group discussion. I used both an interview pool and a focus
group to ensure transferability. Interviews were conducted both locally and regionally, and focus
group participants were randomly selected from the interview pool to guarantee participants from
both the community and region. For dependability, I confirmed my procedures through careful
organization of data collection methods. All artifacts related to the study have been made
available upon request and consent of participants. I have also included these artifacts in the
appendices of this report.
Findings
Isolation
My first research question sought to understand the extent to which SAHMs feel isolated
in my rural area. When participants were asked to rate their feelings of isolation on a Likert
scale, with 5 being extremely isolated and 1 being not at all isolated, the mean of thirteen
participants was 2.8 (Appendix H). Only two respondents rated themselves as feeling extremely
isolated. Four out of the thirteen interviewees did express that they felt more isolated when their
children were younger; two other respondents said that they felt more isolated because they were
older moms.
Qualitative data revealed that a range of experiences contribute to perceived feelings of
isolation. Choice may play a role in how SAHMs perceive isolation. For example, one
respondent said that she felt isolated “all the time, ever since I moved here, even when I was
working.” This respondent was a single mom who was recently unemployed, so her particular
feelings of isolation as a SAHM may have been due to her newly acquired, unchosen role as a
SAHM coupled with lack of support from a significant other. Another woman revealed that she
felt very isolated, but she “chose that isolation” with her postpartum depression. These two
women’s experiences stood out from the other data. One mom said that she felt isolated even
with other moms at a MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting; she said that she thought her
isolation “depended on the setting” and the expression of “different values” by groups with
which she had association. She felt strongly that SAHMs tend to gravitate toward women who
are most like them in values and class, although this is not a theme that recurred in my
categorization and coding analysis.
Social Support
The extent to which SAHMs feel isolated seemed to be related to where SAHMs found
social support. When SAHMs were asked to describe any feelings of isolation that they may
have experienced, several themes emerged that were codable but not easy to categorize.
Connection with other moms was a dominant theme mentioned by five respondents. One mom
stated: “Sometimes when I see moms walking around with other moms while out shopping or at
the park, I sometimes wish I had a good friend to hang out with that really understood me.”
Moms also mentioned making friends through playdates; for example, one respondent said, “I
guess the only times I really feel isolated are those times when plans get canceled for playdates,
and we end up staying home.” Two interviewees regarded isolation in terms of disconnection
with others, not necessarily other moms. One mom “felt cut off from most of the world. I felt
like I was invisible to most people. I felt stuck.” The inability to create change also affected
another mother, as she viewed being isolated as a SAHM as “not being able to do what I want or
to have my own time.” Other themes of social support included belonging to a church, having
family, talking to neighbors, and being able to provide for their children.
The theme of whether or not being in a rural area affects social support and isolation for
SAHMs did not seem to be a contributing factor. Although all interviewees lived on the Western
Slope, only two of the thirteen SAHMs viewed a connection between isolation and geography.
One SAHM even thought that being in a rural area did not affect her feelings of isolation at all.
She said, “We live in the middle of nowhere on a large parcel of land, and it can get to feeling
that way [isolated], but I have a great support system, so I really don’t have isolation feelings.”
Another respondent described isolation this way: “I don’t live in town and have close
neighbors…I guess it is a lonely feeling sometimes.” Out of thirteen SAHMs interviewed, this
one was the only one who associated life in a rural area with loneliness, but she even admitted
that it was lonely only sometimes.
Social Support through Community and Technology
My second research question was to determine the ways that technology could change
perceived feelings of isolation for SAHMs in my rural area. Two of the women expressed
feelings of isolation related to lack of support from their husbands. One participant said that she
hadn’t felt isolated, but in the same sentence she confessed, " I just have a hard time with my
husband.” Another participant who had rated herself as feeling extremely isolated described a
similar experience. She admitted that, “[My] husband knew that I was feeling isolated. Knew
that I was chomping at the bit to go out and do something. And this opportunity came up…and I
got it. So he’s the night shift basically, …there were nights he’d come home, and he wanted to
be in his ‘nothing box.’ You know, and not do anything. But his support was there.” Another
participant viewed her isolation as not belonging. She said, “The places here in this town are
church-related, and if you don’t belong, you don’t really have much else available to you.”
Church is where only one woman in the focus group found community; other SAHMs
mentioned various community resources as social support. Themes included MOPs, playgroups,
the library, the pool, a local museum, music classes, gyms, and community theater. One SAHM
specifically described how SAHMs build community in this rural area: “To meet other moms,
you have to go where the children go.” Another mom still had hope for a SAHM community that
did not involve children. She said, “…for me, part of the isolation is that I want to get away
from the parenting thing. I want to be myself for a little bit.”
One community where all four focus group SAHMs felt connected was through a social
networking site, Facebook. They primarily used it to talk with other SAHMs about their
experiences. Facebook was not the only potential for community building among SAHMs. All
four individuals had access to social networking sites and e-mail and thought that a common web
page might provide a place for a “concentration of relevant activities” for SAHMs in the area.
The lack of timely information and communication of area events was a commonly shared
concern by all participants. Three out of the four participants had a computer in their homes
along with Internet and access to mobile technologies. One SAHM had a blog, and three of the
focus group participants used blogs for advice or had visited various parenting websites. When
asked what topics SAHMs would like to have on a forum just for them, interests varied.
Fashion, cooking, gardening, recreation, social events, and home business were all possibilities.
Summary of Findings
Based on my data analysis, SAHMs did feel isolated in this rural area. Several variables
affected their perceived feelings of isolation. In general, younger mothers or SAHMs with
younger children felt more isolated here than any other subgroup in my population. The rural
experience, however, did not seem to affect their feelings of isolation. Originally, I had
proposed that rural areas typically do not offer the variety of opportunities for women to connect
with one another and to discuss their everyday concerns and that the lack of resources and
facilities in rural communities could increase feelings of isolation. My qualitative data showed
that there are a variety of ways in which women do connect in our community, but many of the
activities are done with their children. Few support groups do exist solely for SAHMs, but there
were many resources and facilities that SAHMs used for social support and a feeling of
community. The dominant theme in the data was that SAHMs want to connect with other moms
to avoid feelings of isolation. It is possible that the rural experience does mean that the resources
and sources of social support are not coordinated or necessarily communicated, which leads
some SAHMs to feel more isolated because they are less connected with one another.
Focus group data revealed the potential for technology as one means to help SAHMs stay
connected. Social networking sites such as Facebook could offer SAHMs emotional support and
informational support to counter feelings of isolation. Originally I had predicted that about 70%
of the mothers will already use technology, but about half of this group would not realize the
potential specifically in social networking as a means of building a community. Four out of four
women already used social networking sites, but only one out of four SAHMs viewed its
potential as a means to connect with each other. It is possible that I am overlooking access to
technology as an issue. As predicted, the focus group did provide a community structure that did
not previously exist. During the debriefing, all participants expressed excitement in social
networking and were interested in the use of other technologies to build a SAHM community.
Five days after the focus group, three out of the four focus group participants have utilized e-
mail, mobile devices, and Facebook to maintain contact with each other.
Implications for Practice
These findings suggest two major areas for further research. Since connecting with other
moms helps alleviate feelings of isolation among SAHMs, communities should examine how
SAHMs connect with other SAHMs to build social support structures. Additionally, technology,
especially social networking, could have potential in building SAHM communities. Further
action research into women’s online communities would be valuable in its overall implications to
the field.
Other cycles of action research into this topic could include:
What factors contribute to feelings of isolation for SAHMS in this rural area?
To what extent and how do rural SAHMs develop social support?
Do women who have worked outside of the home experience isolation in the same way
as SAHMs who have never been employed?
What role does socioeconomics play in isolation of SAHMs?
To what extent do SAHMs in rural areas have access to technology?
Limitations of the Study
My study is certainly not representative of the SAHM community. The limitations of my
action research are numerous. This is the first cycle of the action research process, and it
engendered many more questions than answers. The two-week timeframe in which to collect
data was a challenge. For a timely turnaround of data, my first method was to e-mail 100
potential SAHMs. When I only got a 3% response, I overcame this limitation by seeking
participants in the community. This methodology had an inherent bias, as one might assume that
if you find SAHMs out in the community, then they might not feel that isolated. To counter this
bias, I tried to implement alternative data collection methods to find SAHMs who might not be
able to get out as much. For example, I utilized technology to achieve a “snowball sampling” of
participants. Even this alternative method may have had limitations.
Snowballing sampling assumes that those SAHMs are already involved in social support
systems or networks. Almost half of data collection methods involved online interviews.
Therefore, those who already use technology may feel less isolated. Online maternal
communities could provide a social support system for those who are not connected and might
feel most isolated. Another possibility is that SAHMs who are already utilizing social
networking sites already experience some degree of isolation, so they use virtual spaces in order
to build communities of support.
In my proposal, I also predicted that I would have more than thirteen participants to make
my sample more representative of the community. Given constraints of time and places for data
collection, I had to be flexible in my expectations and goals for the number of participants. Only
one of the interviewees was Latina; most participants were Caucasian and from middle or upper
classes. Only two SAHMs that I interviewed had infants; therefore, it is possible that the moms
that I interviewed were able to be less isolated because their older kids were involved in
community offerings. To counter this, I tried to randomly select more than four participants for
the focus group. Only four out of eight randomly selected interviewees came to the focus group.
Since all of the four who came were primarily from the community of study, I am unable to
ensure transferability of data to a regional focus. Additionally, the small sample size of both the
interview pool and focus group makes transferability difficult.
Comparison of the Research to the Literature Review
My research supported the gap in the literature. Many of the women expressed difficulty
in discussing their own thoughts and feelings as mothers without somehow implicitly talking
about their role as caretaker for their children. The literature review demonstrated that not
enough studies have looked at isolation among SAHMs. My quantitative and qualitative data
indicated that SAHMs do feel isolated, with many variables affecting their experiences of
isolation. The literature review revealed that there is a need to adopt a more inclusive,
comprehensive approach to studying SAHMs and to examine the role that technology could play
in offering emotional, informational, and instrumental support for maternal communities.
Qualitative data from my focus group supported the literature review. Analysis of the focus
group transcript showed that SAHMs seem to value informational support more than emotional
support. Further research should build frameworks and look at models for linking technology to
maternal communities.
Conclusion
SAHMs did feel isolated in this rural area, but the rural experience did not affect their
perceived feelings of isolation. In fact, SAHMs feel isolated for a variety of reasons. Further
studies should include SAHMs in research on motherhood but should also look at isolation and
social support for SAHMs. My findings showed that most SAHMs want to connect with other
moms, and the ways in which they view and create those connections vary considerably. Age,
number of children, personal interests, religion, cultural background, and socioeconomics may
all play a role. Given all of the variables that affect the experiences of SAHMs, technology may
offer one means of building a community for SAHMs to build connections and share information
with each other. My focus group data revealed that SAHMs already routinely use technologies,
especially social networking, in their daily lives. Communities should coordinate resources and
systems of support for SAHMs to communicate with one another. Social networking could
provide one easily accessible and already familiar base for SAHMs to build a system of social
support. Social support can help alleviate feelings of isolation among SAHMs, which can only
directly benefit communities.

References
Cohen, S. & Wills, T.A. (1985). Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis.
Psychological Bulletin, 98, 310-317.
Cooke, B., Rossmann, M.M., McCubbin, H., & Patterson, J.M. (1988). Examining the
definition and assessment of social support: A resource for individuals and families.
Family Relations, 37, 2 (April). Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/584322
Fusco, S. J., Michael, K., & Michael, M.G. (2010). Using a social informatics framework to
study the effects of location-based social networking on relationships between people: A
review of literature. IEEE International Symposium on Technology and Society
(ISTAS10). Wollongong, Australia. Retrieved from
http://works.bepress.com/kmichael/189
Hunting, V.S. (2009). Social support for new mothers: an exploration of new mothers’
postpartum experiences with online and offline peer support environments. Retrieved
from http://hdl.handle.net/1828/1800.
Medina, S., & Magnuson, S. (2009). Motherhood in the 21st century: Implications for
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Academic Search Elite database.

Michaels, M.W. (2009). Mothers "opting out": Facts and fiction. WSQ: Women's Studies
Quarterly 37(2), 317-322. Retrieved July 1, 2010, from Project MUSE database.
Moren-Cross, J. L., & Drentea, P. (2005). Social capital and social support on the web: The
case of an internet mother site. Sociology of Health & Illness, 27(7), 920-43.
Oberman, Y., & Josselson, R. (1996). Matrix of tensions. Psychology of Women Quarterly,
20(3), 341. Retrieved from Academic Search Elite database.
Schultheiss, D. (2009). To mother or matter. Journal of Career Development, 36(1), 25-48.
Vejar, C. M., Madison-Colmore, O. D., & Ter Maat, M. B. (2006). Understanding the
transition from career to fulltime motherhood: A qualitative study. The American
Journal of Family Therapy, 34, 17-31.
Wooten, H., & Rubin, S. (2007). Highly educated stay-at-home mothers: A study of
commitment and conflict. The Family Journal, 15(4), 336-345.

Appendix A
E-mail request for data

June 29, 2010
My name is Amy, and I am a graduate student in the Information Learning and Technology
program at University of Colorado-Denver. I am doing an action research project due the end
of July, so I am in the process of collecting data before July 10th.
If you consider yourself a “stay at home” mom and would have some time to respond to the
interview questions below, I would greatly appreciate it. You may respond to this e-mail, or, if
you prefer, please e-mail me your phone number and an ideal time to contact you for a face-to-
face or phone interview. ***Please feel free to forward this e-mail with attachments to any “stay
at home” moms in the Western Slope region.
Attached you will find an informed consent form outlining the research’s purpose. By
responding to this e-mail, you have acknowledged that you have received the informed consent
form and accept the statements in the consent. I look forward to hearing from you!
Thank you so much for your time,

Amy Jane Priest
Appendix B
Facebook message request for “snowball sample”
July 2 at 11:47am
Hi, ladies.
Could you help me out? I know you most likely consider yourself "stay at home moms." I am
doing an action research project for my grad work due at the end of July, and I am under a time
crunch to collect data asap. (We are in Denver with Sara most of next week for surgery, so I am
trying to get ahead in data collection for my analysis due 7/19).
I was wondering if you could help me out with names and e-mail addresses/phone numbers of
some other Western Slope SAHMs who wouldn't mind being interviewed (it would take 10-30
minutes). There could even be some you know through Facebook; feel free to forward this
request, and they can e-mail me at ajpri@msn.com or call my home#240-9548.
If you wouldn't mind being in the interview pool too, give me some good times to call--or even
be online to chat. I want to make it convenient as possible.
Thanks so much!
Amy
Appendix C
Interview Questions
1. Do you consider yourself a “stay at home” mom?
2. For how long have you lived in this area?
3. How do you socialize?
4. What do you like about being a “stay at home” mom?
5. What do you not like about being a “stay at home” mom?
6. Have you ever felt isolated as a “stay at home” mom?

- On a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being extremely isolated and 1 being not at all isolated,
how would you rate any feelings of isolation?
- Describe any feelings of isolation that you may have experienced.
7. Would you like to be included in a random selection for a focus group that would take
place the second week of July to discuss isolation as a “stay at home” mom?
Appendix D
Informed Consent Form
Title of study: Isolation of “Stay at Home” Mothers and Exploring Technology to Build
Community
Principal investigator: Amy Jane Priest

Institute: University of Colorado, Denver
Introduction:
My name is Amy, a graduate student in the information learning and technologies program at the
University of Colorado-Denver. I am doing a community-based action research study on the
isolation of “stay at home” moms in rural Colorado. Since you are a “stay at home” mom living
on the Western Slope, I would like to invite you to join this research study.
Background information:
Rural areas typically do not offer the variety of opportunities for women to connect with one
another and to discuss their everyday concerns. Moreover, the lack of resources and facilities in
rural communities could increase feelings of isolation. Isolation can erode self-esteem,
impacting family life and ties to the community.
Purpose of this research study

The purpose of the study is to determine to what extent “stay at home” moms feel isolated in
rural Colorado. Also, I want to create a focus group to explore the ways that technology might
help build a community of support for “stay at home” moms.
Procedures
In this study I will ask you some questions about your experiences as a “stay at home” mom.
This will take about half an hour of your time. I will also randomly select people from the
interview pool to participate in a focus group during the second week of July. I will gather a
group of “stay at home” moms together to discuss their experiences and interests in technology.
If selected for the focus group, I anticipate that this will take at most two hours of your time. I
will be video recording the focus group, but all responses will be kept confidential and for the
purpose of research only.
Possible risks or benefits

Except your valuable time, there is no risk involved in this study. There is no direct benefit or
compensation to you. However, the results of the study may help us to advocate for “stay at
home” moms, bringing more resources and opportunities to our rural area.
Right of refusal to participate and withdrawal

It is your right to choose to participate in the study. You may also refuse to participate or
withdraw at any time from the study. If you do not feel comfortable answering any of the
questions, then you may also refuse to answer some or all of them.
Confidentiality
The information that you provide will remain confidential. Nobody except me, the principal
researcher, will have access to it. Your name and identity will also not be disclosed at any time.
However, the data may be viewed by my instructor, classmates, portfolio reviewers, and
community stakeholders. By providing a phone number and e-mail address, you will be given
full access to the data analysis and the final action research report.
Available Sources of Information

If you have any further questions you may contact the Principal Investigator, Amy Jane Priest at
(970) 275-1646, or her instructor, JenniferVanBerschot, at jennifer.vanberschot@ucdenver.edu
or at (303) 989-2391.
1. AUTHORIZATION
I have read and understand this consent form. I volunteer to participate in this research
study. I understand that I will receive a copy of this form. I voluntarily choose to
participate, but I understand that my consent does not take away any legal rights in the
case of negligence or other legal fault of anyone who is involved in this study. I further
understand that nothing in this consent form is intended to replace any applicable Federal,
state, or local laws.
Participant’s Name (Printed): _______________________________________________

Participant’s Signature:____________________________________________________
Date: ___________________
Please provide a phone number for contact: ____________________________________

Please provide an e-mail address for contact: ___________________________________
Signature of Person Obtaining Consent: _______________________________________

Date: ____________________
Appendix E
E-mail request and invitation to focus group
Hi,
You have been randomly selected to attend a (very informal) focus group/gathering for "stay at
home" moms this Wednesday. Below and attached is the invitation outlining more information.
Hope that you can make it!
Thanks,
Amy
You’re invited to a
Focus Group for “Stay at Home” Moms
When: Wednesday, July 14th 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: 2740 Stoney Creek Lane
Directions: From Townsend take S. 12th St, which turns into Sunnyside Dr. Go past West
Christian School. Before 6400 Road, turn left into Stoney Creek subdivision. Turn left at the
stop sign; we’re the 6th house on the left.
We’ll have some munchies and beverages, including some wine. If weather cooperates, we’ll be
outside on the deck.
Please RSVP to this e-mail address.

If you are bringing children, please indicate how many and their ages so we can arrange
childcare.
Questions? Call me at home #240-9548 or cell #275-1646.
Thanks so much!
Appendix F
Focus Group Transcript
So I’m interested in what factors contribute to perceived feelings of isolation for stay at home
moms [SAHMs] in this region. So if you want to talk about your own feelings of isolation, we’ll
go from there, and see how the discussion goes. [Silence]
I’ll start because one of the things that I’ve perceived is just that…one factor I think is maybe the
lack of resources, but I also think it has to do with…that there’s not places for people to meet… I
felt like I was stalking Moms when I’d go on stroller walks during the day…It’s like Oh, my
God! There’s another Mom! She must be a SAHM! [Laughter] So I don’t know if there are other
factors. It could be that I’m an older Mom; it could be age…What do you think about that?
ML: I’m Mormon, so I’m spoiled because we have kids like it’s a profession.[chuckle] My two
kids, as close together as they are, I feel like I’m moving up, but I’m ok with that. So I haven’t
really felt isolated. I just have a hard time with my husband because, you know, he’s not my
buddy when he gets home. He’s tired from work, and I hate that I’ve lost that relationship with
him. We used to be best friends and now I could just… I asked people if they wanted to trade
husbands today at playgroup. [Giggling] And I love him, but…
BW: So you have a playgroup through your church-through people you know?
ML: Yeah, but they are incredibly ridiculously active. They just get together just to watch
Bachelorette on Monday evenings. Just to get together as Moms.
CL: Hello!
ML: You’re totally welcome, I promise! And they’re crazy fun. We do [a place about a half
hour from the community] every single Tuesday and I think Thursdays now. Just to do the beach
together.
CL: Oh! Yeah! We went today!
ML: We do playgroup every Wednesday religiously, and they exercise together five mornings a
week at our church. If you’re interested, they’re more than welcoming…We have a sisterhood;
well we have two sisters. We call each other sisters. I guess they’re not sisters-but anyway,
they’re not LDS. But yeah, they’re amazing. I don’t know. You’re right, though, community’s
so different anymore; people don’t live close to their family. And then we have a relief society
president. She’s kind of in charge of all the women and she was telling me one time that she felt
like the younger women on our board need much more help than the older sisters on the board
because you get so overwhelmed with the mommy thing. We don’t have moms or sisters or
anybody around to help us for the most part. Some people are lucky, but I never had…
BW: I’ve had help, but I think part of it is that I do teach lessons in the afternoon so trying to get
things done plus keep track of my son who’s so busy goin goin goin I just never felt like I had
the time for myself to get out. You know, I could probably take him to gymnastics or take him
to things and be able to meet people there, but part of me was…felt self conscious about
that…felt scared to do it and I made that happen. I had postpartum pretty bad after he was born,
and so I pulled myself consciously away because I didn’t want to be around anyone- that was
depression thinking-so I think that played a part living here five years we moved here. I got
pregnant, so right then you’re kind of staying around. You don’t really get out and about a
chance to get out and meet people, and then he comes, and you’re pretty full with a baby when
they’re born.
CL: Pretty much! That’s true.
BW: You know, and he was a little tough kiddo. So just now I’m able to get out and do [name of
local theater], do things, and meet people that way.
ML: My goodness, are you ok?
BW: I know. It’s been great; all of a sudden I felt alive, but before that, you do feel…and there
doesn’t seem…I mean, except for, you know, people who belong to a church, there’s not a lot
of…we belong to a small church and so there’s not…All the mommies are older and have kids
that are away, so he’s the only little guy. You can connect in some ways, but not with … He
won’t give up his pacifier—what do I do? or you know how do I get him pottytrained? There’s
not…I guess there’s MOPS in the area. There’s a couple of Moms.
ML: It’s at nine a.m. I thought about checking them out, but I’m not doing nine a.m.
CL: We tried a few weeks. It was a little early, and it just didn’t…
BW: How’d it go?
CL: and it just didn’t work for me. I sat there, and I felt like COFFEE, you know like…I don’t
know. It wasn’t real…
ML: Did you take your kids?
CL: Uh huh. And there’s a daycare.
BW: That’s what worried me.
CL: You don’t take your kids to the meeting. They’ll be in another room.
BW: Ok.
CL: Yeah.
ML: Because it doesn’t specify that in the listing.
SR: What’s that stand for Mothers of Preschool…[group members clarifying] ers? Is it just a
group for moms to come together?
ML: Like a support group.
SR: Is it a support group?
ML: Well, they do crafts. It’s generally sponsored by a church.
CL: I went to a church, yeah.
SR: Do they rotate it or something?
CL/ML: No, there’s different ones…at different…There’s two different groups here in [name of
community] alone. There’s two or three…[People talking over each other]
BW: …I can just imagine me sitting there and I’m enjoying the meeting, and Kevin’s having a
meltdown and I can’t do anything. And I think that may have just been my postpartum. The
depression part. Just the anxiety.
SR: Well, I don’t think so, because I remember when I lived in the city, my husband convinced
me to go to this gigantic foursquare church; it was huge. [Group chatter] Gigantic ceilings and
you know, stadium seating type stuff, and we’re sitting there, we took my son to the nursery, and
he was just a baby… Well, they forgot to tell us that if your baby or your child is having a
problem, your number flashes on this little [laughter] this little neon board type thing, so you
have to go back and get him.
CL: Oh, my God! But they didn’t tell you?
SR: They didn’t tell us!
CL: Oh, my God!
SR: So our number was flashing the whole time. He was miserable, and we didn’t know…
CL: That’s heartbreaking!
SR: …We were trying to get you to come, but we didn’t know…we didn’t go back…
[Unrecognizable chatter]. But I think you’re right. The places here in this town are church-
related, and if you don’t belong, you don’t really have much else available to you.
BW: You have to go searching for it.
CL: Well, we did go to the library. I’ve been to the library a few times.
SR: The library has really good programs.
ML: They have the funnest little reading group thingies.

CL: I haven’t been to a show…[CL and ML talking about pirates?]
SR: They have puppet shows, and they bring in musicians, and I did childcare out of my home
for about six years. And even then I was isolated. I had only children to relate to.
ML: That’s exhausting.
CL: They’re so intense. 24/7.
SR: Kids were with me more than they were with their own parents, and that’s not a bad thing,
but…
CL: It was just the reality, right?
SR: And sometime when they started taking advantage of the situation well, they’re my kids
more than they are yours.
CL: The parents would take advantage of you?
SR: Yeah, they would leave them for really long periods of time. I had one Mom that worked
nights. And one day she had a car wreck, and she wasn’t quite all together, and she had a car
wreck, and the kids were like ok whatever we’re safe. We’re at SR’s house. No big deal. And
they were fine. I got them after school and they stayed the night.
CL: They spent the night?
SR: They spent the night, but I was registered for overnight care…But I had to find things to do.
The theater was the big thing. I have a friend who’s a member of the LDS church…Do you
know [Name of lady]? She and I did day care together…[Interruption of my child going to bed]
AP: So you were talking about having to find things to do. You mentioned a lot of different
community resources. Do you know of any other resources or support networks that you use,
other than church, family?
ML: I think our pool stinks for little kids.
SR: Now that they took out the kids’ pool, it does stink!
ML: The hours are so limited for little ones.
SR: We used to take all the daycare kids there. I could sit on the edge. I’d put the babies in the
water, and they’re right there with me.
CL: We haven’t even been. We’ve been once, when we first moved here .
ML: Go to Rtown.
CL: Really? What about Dtown?
ML: It’s cheaper…[people talking over one another] They have childcare. None of our gyms
here have childcare.
CL: Who’s gonna drive that for twenty minutes to work out with their kids?
ML: In Denver you would.
CL: I know. It’s so different here. [various people talking]
ML: You’re asking more about like support groups?
AP: What networks do you use? People mentioned church, family.
ML: There’s the Childrens Museum. They have a group that goes out.
CL: Did you go there?
ML: I wasn’t impressed, but it was dirty. But they’ve moved.
CL: It was so dirty!
SR: Ooo!
CL: I’m sorry, but I went there once, when we first moved here. I’ve tried to find everything I
could, right? I’ve been here a year in August. And it was so dirty.
ML: When did they move it?
CL: I don’t know.
SR: It’s over by the high school now.
ML: I’ve never been to it.

CL: Oh, really? Where’d it move to? I didn’t even know it moved.
ML: Our babysitter is on the board now. She’s helping out, and she said it’s much
cleaner…She’s got OCD; she should know. [Laughter]
CL: Nice.
ML: So she made sure it was clean.

CL: It was so dirty.
ML: As far as activities, and then activities for Moms, there’s just the support group stuff….I’ve
never heard of any advertised…
SR: To meet other Moms, you have to go where the children go.
CL: Have you gone to KinderMusic ever?
SR: Is that up in Rtown?
CL: There’s one in Rtown. There’s one in Gtown. There’s not one here that I know of.
ML: I’d be willing to do Rtown.
CL: Gtown one is awesome.
ML: And Gtown has free kids movies.
CL: Do they?
ML: Yeah, at the theatre…[Discussion about directions]
CL: Yeah, that’s where the KinderMusic is. The teacher there is amazing.
ML: In the little room with the balls and stuff?
CL: Oh, my God! That is such a noisy room. [Discussion about the class]
SR: Have you ever jumped in it?
BW: But he loves it, and when he gets done…
SR: Jump in the balls; it’s fun.
Me: So you said that you’ve [to SR] lived in an urban area, and you’ve [to CL] lived in an urban
area. [To the two others] Have either of you lived elsewhere?
ML: I’ve lived in Denver. I didn’t have my own children there.
Me: [To BW] Have you lived elsewhere? You’ve been here what-five years?
BW: Five years, and we were in Gltown. Which was very similar. MOPS, the pool.
ML: Such a touristy town. It’s not focused on people who live there.
BW: It’s so built out. It’s tiny.
ML: And so choppy.
BW: So everyone commutes in from Rf, NC, and they’re mostly just bedroom communities so
there’s nothing going on in there. Yeah, if you wanted to go to MOPS in Gltown, you got your
thirty minute drive into Gltown, through the landform, beautiful but…
Me: [to ML] You lived in Denver. How long did you live in Denver?
ML: Five years.
Me: Five years? How was the experience there different than it is here? Do you have any
insight?
ML: I hugely prefer it here. As far as I felt more isolated there, because it’s such a large city,
and there’s so much to do, and everyone feels that they have to do it all, so it’s really hard for me
, my experience, to connect with anyone. Although we lived in RB, which is twenty minutes
south of Denver technically, so anywhere in Denver you add twenty minutes…It was an hour to
the zoo, just to get to zoo. We were on the outskirts of Denver, I thought that that contributed to
that even though they had a moms group, but I don’t know, but I just felt more isolated there
than I do here, but I was mostly with singles, between the ages of 18 and 30 and in our church
they have their own congregation, so nobody had children, so I don’t know. I wasn’t hanging
out with the Moms of our church at that time. I didn’t know any of them because I didn’t have
my own kids.
SR: You were a nanny, you said? You took care of everyone else’s kids.
CL: How long did you nanny?
ML: I was with one family for three years over there.
CL: I nannied for almost two years.
ML: Yeah, we’re still real close. We still try to get together. We go camping together; we’ll
meet halfway.
CL: Oh! How fun! How old are those kids?
ML: 5 and 10…I felt more isolated in Denver, and I love it here. [Unrecognizable side
conversation]
Me: So where do you find support now to avoid isolation? Kind of a similar question.
ML: My church.
BW: Do you mean Moms or do you mean people in general?
Me: It’s an open question.
BW: I’ve found all these older moms, but no one with little kids. And that’s just because
through the theater, through our church they’re older. That’s about it…[Side conversation with
ML]
BW: My husband knew that I was feeling isolated. Knew that I was chomping at the bit to go
out and do something. And it’s hard to do stuff during the day. And this opportunity came up to
try out for a play, and I got it. So it was SMW, and I was directing a choral group on Tuesdays.
So he’s the night shift basically, which there were nights he’d come home, and he wanted to be
in his ‘nothing box.’ You know, and not do anything. But his support was there.
CL: Nothing box. I like that.
BW: Oh yeah, I mean you can just tell. He sits down, and it’s blank and there’s nothing going
in. Nothing’s coming out. The boy could be sitting there screaming, I call our son the boy
because he’s the only child of all the grandparents, so he’s the boy, that’s his nickname. But he
could be sitting there screaming, my son, not my husband,
SR: Like it doesn’t even register.
BW: So actually they’ve gotten closer because I was gone at night. It took Kevin a little
while…[interruption for drink refills then unfocused conversation about spitup, dance and a
dance teacher and…]
BW: …She’s met a lot of Moms through that. Through connections on Facebook.
Me: [Jumping in to re-focus conversation] Connections on Facebook, which brings up an

interesting point. Out of curiosity, this is an informal poll… How many of you have a computer?
So three.
CL: You don’t have a computer at home?
SR: I have one, but it lives at my Mom, because I don’t have Internet access at my home.
CL: OMG! No computer no! [Laughter]

SR: It lives at my Mom’s house because [side conversation]
CL: No, I’m sorry. That’s my outlet! Like right now it’s broken. My husband brings his home
at lunch. I call him, “Bring home the computer so I can be on Facebook.”
Me: So I am assuming that the three of you have Internet access?

ML: Yeah, we got wireless after my first kid was born because I was playing Solitaire for hours.
[Laughter] Cause you just can’t do anything. They’re just a little blob. Love them more than life
but…
CL: I was playing Farmville. Yeah…
SR: Put passwords on them, because as soon as they figure out how to use it [personal info
deleted]…
ML: Yeah, we’ll probably get rid of it someday. I hate having it.
CL: Really?
ML: It sucks so much of my life. We don’t have a t.v. so I turn to the Internet…Yeah, it sucks
too much of my life.
Me: Do any of you have mobile devices?
BW: My parents live in this area, and my parents don’t reach out a lot. If you don’t hear
anything, it’s all good. My Mom helps me babysit so I can go to the gym. That’s another place
to meet ladies. I go to [name of gym] because it’s non-threatening. And there’s a lot of older
ladies when you get to go, it’s not when all the other ladies are going after work. At 9 o’clock in
the morning, that’s when a lot of the retired ladies come in talking about golf and vacations, and
I really got the boy up this morning and got him breakfast
ML: When I went to the library, it was like that.
BW: You know, you get a lot of good advice sometimes. Sage advice, as far as I could be sitting
there complaining and they let me complain, and they’re like eh don’t worry about it; you’ll be
okay…[Discussion about gym being for sale]
Me: You mentioned Facebook. Do any of you use any other social networking sites?
CL: I didn’t really like any of the other ones.
Me: So everyone here uses Facebook? [Agreement]
CL: Twitter? Myspace?
ML: I don’t get it.
Me: Have any of you blogged or read any mommies blogs?
CL: I’ve read some.
ML: I’ve blogged, and I’ve read a lot.

CL: I’ve read friends. I mean friends, not just random people.
BW: But we’ve done random. My husband’s an engineer, and I’m pretty type A so when my son
was little and doing all these things, we didn’t know what to do and we didn’t have advice from
people. You’re typing online Googling what to do when he does this duh duh duh [imitating the
sound of typing on a keyboard] You’re on these parents websites. I did that for a while.
Me: How about you, SR, have you used blogs at all?
SR: No, I don’t even know what that is.
Me: Email? Everyone has email probably.
Me: How about a webpage? If there were a webpage for SAHMs group or site, would you visit
it?
CL: Oh, God, yeah. I’d be a member.
ML: Yeah, that’s be great!
CL: That’s how I met all my friends in St. Louis.
ML: A concentration of all relevant activities. Like they had a free fishing day for kids, and I
totally missed it.
BW: That would be nice. That’s one thing that seems weird about this area. In Gltown, they
published everything that was going on. Our newspaper… We can go past the auditorium, and if
there’s not a sign out on NRoad, there’s stuff goin on, and you don’t even know about it.
Performances I’d love to take Kevin to now that’s
SR: They do put them in the paper, but it’s two weeks or more ahead, and if you miss them, you
don’t hear about them anywhere else, although the radio stations have been pretty good about
broadcasting things like... [Side conversation about radio]…
BW: They have something like that in Denver; I remember in Boulder going into a restaurant,
and there was a little pamphlet about all the stuff that was going on in the Denver metro area as
far as current things, where you could take your kids to the gym or Kindermusics or…little
articles or clothing stores…
Me: Let’s just hypothetically say there were a website that you could go to-What kind of topics
would you be interested in having? You mentioned performances.
ML: I would like them to list, you know, like the pumpkin hayride at [a local farm] whenever
that stuff comes up. Just give us a heads up. Remind me. The fishing day kind of thing, the
library, list what’s going on at the library, so it’s all in one spot…
CL: So current events?
ML: the father kid day.
CL: Could it be a place to blog? To find a bunch of hubbies or significant others? [People talking
over each other] OMG-let’s pottytrain!…
ML: …Complaining in community. I’d be afraid of who I was complaining to or reading their
complaint.
BW: There’s a little bit of that on Facebook…I’ve had certain boy students who’ve wanted to put
me as friends on Facebook.
ML: And you don’t do it?
BW: I haven’t done it because I didn’t want the fallout from you didn’t add me on Facebook;
why didn’t you? But now it keeps me…Now I feel like I can’t be completely candid, you know,
about certain things. But I don’t know if I would anyway. Most of the time, you see all of the
Mommies on there. They’re just posting about their kids I love my kids I love my kids I love my
kids and I want to post, you know…
Someone from the group: I hate your kids! [Laughter]
BW: My son is driving me nuts today!
CL: Why didn’t he pick up that toy? He stepped on that toy ten times!
SR: I signed up my son for voice lessons, and you told me that there were all full.
Me: So privacy. Are there other concerns that you would have as far as using, having a
technological space for SAHMs?
CL: I guess I wouldn’t want everyone to see what I was saying. Only my friends. Just like on
Facebook, you only want your people to see. You don’t want everyone to see it.
Me: So control of information?

SR: Oh, come on!
CL: I really just don’t want them to see the pictures or my kid.
BW: Maybe that’s too broad a scope for a webpage or something like that. Some of the other
parenting sites that I have been on, you know, you have those discussion forums about different
topics; breastfeeding or pottytraining or wetting the bed and then there’s groups you can go to,
sign up for, to find out more and have more discussions, but there are moderators who keep track
of…
CL: Have you been to Moms Like Me?
SR: Like a Q and A type thing. You put in your question and other people then maybe could
send you examples or suggestions.
Me: More of like a message board?
SR: Maybe, yeah.
BW: But, you know, for me, part of the isolation is that I want to get away from the parenting
thing. I want to be myself for a little bit. You know, I’m the mommy, that was nice to have
actual, to have friends that some aren’t mommies, you know, and meet different people of all
ages like at the local theater or when I was directing. The people I’d direct…
ML: I get antsy sometimes. I have a friend who is nitpicking at every little detail of my kid’s
lives. [people talking over each other]
Me: Do you think having a coordination of information, maybe discussions or helpful advice,
maybe not necessarily related to parenting maybe just on any topic, that might be of interest to a
SAHM in [our community] for example…I lost my question. I forget what I was going to say
now…Well, what information, someone mentioned Moms Like Me, are there other sites that you
currently use?
CL: That’s what I used in St. Louis. There’s one in Denver. There’s some in the big cities.
Other big cities, too. I don’t know which ones.
ML: There’s one in Berkeley, California that I always come across whenever I Google stuff.
They’re just amazing, and whoever runs it compiles all similar questions and puts all the answers
together and corresponds. I don’t know. Berkeley parents.edu or something…
CL: I’ve never seen that one.
BW: Babywhisperer is what we looked at a lot.
CL: There’s a couple of Gtown things, but I don’t know their names.
ML: They’re real people that are just talking to each other. Yeah, they’re like go to this
pediatrician, which of course doesn’t apply to me, but there are lots of other things…
BW: That would have been nice, to look for a pediatrician or to ask around when you’re new to
the area especially where do I go for this or…
CL: Where do you guys go?

ML: [name of local pediatrician… ensuing debate… discussion of local medical resources and
facilities, concerns, and philosophies…]
Me: Well, I’ve asked my questions…You had mentioned getting away from parenting; I’m
intrigued by that. If there were a SAHM list of the top ten topics, what would you want? Not
related to parenting.
CL: Like fashion? Makeup? Hair products?
Me: Anything.
ML: The Bachelorette update
Me: We’re designing our webpage.
CL: Cooking and gardening.
ML: Recreation. What to do around here…Social events.
BW: Home business. It’d be nice to connect.
[Conversation about work from home scams]
Me: [To SR] You’ve worked. [To BW] You do voice lessons three afternoons a week. [To ML]
You’ve got your hands full with a 2 ½ year old and 10 month old and [CL] you have a two year
old—We all work, but not employment for pay, but you have nannied before…
ML: We own our own business, but I stay out of it because we don’t see eye to eye. [Talk about
their business]
[Discussion about driving distances, what the community used to be like, then side conversations
about shopping, crafts, sharing of information, pottery place, gifts, a local day care center and
preschool, child issues, etc.]
Appendix G
Table 1
Original Proposed Schedule
Milestone Time Frame
Build interview protocol June 20-26
Construct questions for interview process June 20-26
Conduct interviews June 26-July 5
Analyze data from interview process July 1-5
Create focus group questions July 3-5
Select and invite focus group participants July 5
Hold focus group July 5-10
Analyze data from focus group July 10-12
Write data analysis July 1-19
Revise action research proposal for final report July 19-26
Write action research report July 26-31
Table 1
In order to accommodate a personal situation that arose during the first week of July, I
had to make adjustments to my timeline. The interview process took longer than anticipated and
was extended over more than just four days. Collecting data over two weeks increased the
number of interviewees in my sample and also allowed for prolonged engagement with
participants. Since I had to analyze the interview data prior to the focus group, preparation for
the focus group took place later in the time frame. The focus group was originally scheduled for
July 5-10, but I had to postpone it to July 14th. Below is an updated schedule reflecting the
adjustments:
Table 2
Updated Schedule
Milestone Time Frame
Build interview protocol June 20-26
Construct questions for interview process June 20-26
Conduct interviews June 29-July 13
Analyze data from interview process July 1-13
Create focus group questions July 10-13
Select and invite focus group participants July 10
Hold focus group July 14
Analyze data from focus group July 14-19
Write data analysis July 1-19
Revise action research proposal for final report July 19-26
Write action research report July 26-31
Table 2
Appendix H
Table 3
Data Summary
Date Sahm Collection method Location Rating of isolation
6/29 ML online per e-mail request 2
7/2 SR F2F at home 3
7/6 KM F2F gymnastics 2
7/6 KS F2F park 5
7/6 JB F2F park 3
7/7 SW online/snowball social networking site 1.5
7/8 HG online per e-mail request 3
7/9 LO phone/snowball social networking site 1.5
7/12 EC online/snowball social networking site 3
7/13 CL F2F gymnastics 2
7/13 RB online/snowball social networking site 2
7/13 BW online/snowball social networking site 5
7/13 AD online per e-mail request 3.5
Table 3

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Running head: EXPLORING TECHNOLOGY FOR A COMMUNITY 1

Exploring Technology for a Community:

Isolation of “Stay at Home” Mothers

University of Colorado Denver

Introduction and Problem Statement

and to feel less isolated

Purpose and Intended Audience

estimated that about 44% are not in the labor force.

Literature Search Questions

How does the literature define the role for SAHMs?

What does the literature say about isolation among SAHMs?

Literature Search Procedures

motherhood-sociology, which yielded 83 articles. I also looked at motherhood-psychological

Literature Review Findings

mothers, specifically employment and family issues.

mothering is certainly warranted. Now that we recognize…the relevance of mother as subject,

According to Michaels (2009):

workforce. (p. 319)

motherhood are conspicuously absent” (p. 25).

community (Obermann & Johnson, 1996).

and informational support (as cited in Cooke et al., 1988, p. 211).

The key features of social informatics involves these concepts:

Identifying problems of technology usage

Understanding the socio-technical context

Using social theories

Combining informatics with other disciplines

Approaching the study holistically

enough research to draw a generalizable conclusion.

other studies have utilized or cited this model in their research.

that would be applicable to SAHMs.

connecting technology to societal problems.

Most of my articles, however, reflected a psychological viewpoint. Other selected

technology. I strongly relied on research on motherhood and not as much on those on

may be reflected in my approach to the literature.

communities. One solution to reduce isolation among SAHMs is to create maternal

to solving other women, family, and community issues more inclusive.

Summary of Literature Review

SAHMs through technology.

Questions and Methods

Research Question Data Collection Method

isolated in my rural area?

If I set up a focus group for “stay at home” Focus group

mothers in my rural area, in what ways could

technology change their perceived feelings of

classification of a SAHM is economically, socially, and culturally constructed. Some mothers

identified herself as a “stay at home” mom.

develop my report framework. To develop theme categories, I specifically focused on responses

My original proposed schedule, explanation for timeline adjustments, and updated

schedule can be found in Appendix G.

helping to create a feeling of community for mothers.

Checks for Rigor

I considered reliability and validity in my data analysis. Because it relied on prolonged

appendices of this report.

Qualitative data revealed that a range of experiences contribute to perceived feelings of

categorization and coding analysis.

that it was lonely only sometimes.

Social Support through Community and Technology

from the parenting thing. I want to be myself for a little bit.”

Implications for Practice

Other cycles of action research into this topic could include:

as SAHMs who have never been employed?

What role does socioeconomics play in isolation of SAHMs?

To what extent do SAHMs in rural areas have access to technology?

Limitations of the Study