An exploratory study on student mothers’ perceptions of motherhood

Magister Artium (Psychology) - MA(Psych)for women to study at institutions of higher learning have increased, when compared to past generations. Despite this, student mothers, specifically, are confronted with the extra burden of parenting, together with their academic work. Using an exploratory approach, within a qualitative research design, this study aimed to explore perceptions and experiences of student mothers enrolled at the University of the Western Cape. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants, who had at least one child and were registered for a full-time undergraduate degree at the institution. Four semi-structured focus groups were held, with five to seven participants each, entailing a total of 25 female students. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, and Bronfenbrenner’s Process-Person-Context-Time model was adopted, which allowed for a nuanced understanding of the student mother within various contexts. The study received ethics approval, adhered to good ethical principles and was conducted with permission from the university’s registrar. Key themes related to the challenges experienced by student mothers were identified, including financial difficulties, and the stress of balancing their dual responsibilities of student and mother. Proximity to their children complicated their attempt to fulfil dual roles. Geographical distance from the child(ren) facilitated their performance as a student, but often at the expense of their role as mother, resulting in guilt. Close proximity to the child facilitated a closer bond with the child(ren), which impeded their academic performance. Familial support was noted as an important facilitator of performance. Family members often assisted with caregiving of the child, allowing the student mother to engage in her role as student. Some student mothers perceived a lack of support from the university, whilst others argued that it is their own responsibility to manage their commitments to study. Despite these difficulties, many student mothers found that motherhood was a motivation for them to study to secure a future for themselves and their child(ren)