Abstract
This study explored the experiences of mothers in college using a qualitative design. Results showed that a lack of financial resources was the chief barrier for student mothers in their educational pursuits while social/emotional support was the most important contributor to student mothers’ success in college. Participants relied heavily on student loans to cover costs of childcare or family to help watch their children. Role conflict experienced by student mothers has implications on family and college retention. Implications of this study included the adaptation and revisions of policies at the state and federal levels in addition to implications at the university level. Limitations of the study included a lack of racial and ethnic diversity and only including student mothers currently enrolled in college. Several recommendations for future research are described.
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The study was funded by a Graduate Research Grant (GR2015/16- 09) through the Institute for Public Service at Shippensburg University.
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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.
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Kensinger, C., Minnick, D.J. The Invisible Village: An Exploration of Undergraduate Student Mothers’ Experiences. J Fam Econ Iss 39, 132–144 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-017-9535-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-017-9535-6