The Influence of Higher Education and the Perceived Effects on Women and Their Interpersonal Relationships with Significant Others

This study of professional women holding advanced degrees examined the influence of doctoral education and the perceived effects on women and their interpersonal relationships with significant others. It was found that half of the women believed that their level of education affected their relationship status. Though there were a group of women who reported that their level of education limited them in their interpersonal relationships, the majority of the women reported being in gratifying relationships with supportive significant others. Therefore, it is not surprising that the majority of the women reported that their significant other was one of the greatest sources of encouragement, along with faculty members in their doctoral program. One.particularly important theme which emerged indicated that finding the suitable partner attributed to relationship satisfaction and success. It was also found that despite their full time careers, the majority of women in this study are still primarily responsible for household responsibilities. Regardless of the challenges acknowledged by these women, the majority found combining marriage and career to be fulfilling and rewarding. There was however, some controversy in regard to combining children with a career and the quality of parenting that would develop as a result of wanting it all . Of the women with children, it was reported that despite the stress involved, the experience was fulfilling and gratifying. This study further examined women\u27s motivations for entering doctoral programs. The findings revealed that intellectual stimulation was the most collective motivation among women. Personal and professional growth categories of motivations followed close behind. It was established that women were more motivated by personal and professional enhancement versus obtaining a sense of self separate from the family or financial gains