Education Commons^™

Personal Vulnerability In University Student Mothers: An Examination Of Cultural Expectations And Coping Mechanisms, Joanna Daines

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Past research has emphasized the inter-role conflict and resulting stress and depression working mothers' experience. Similar conflicting responsibilities are faced by student mothers, or mothers attending post-secondary institutes of higher education. These women may be subject to feelings of personal vulnerability, depression, feelings of incompetence as parents, and dysfunctional interaction with their children. However, it is unclear how these factors are related among the student-mother population. Additionally, stress resulting from conflicting roles may be exacerbated by the cultural expectations placed on these women especially in the context of Utah culture. This study sought to understand how personal vulnerability is related …