Student Mothers: Experiences of Young Mothers Studying at University

Ifunanya Lilian Nnadi; Ayşe Özada Nazım

Student Mothers: Experiences of Young Mothers Studying at University

Abstract

This study investigates the challenges faced by young mothers in pursuing higher education, examines their coping strategies for balancing motherhood and academic responsibilities, and explores available support systems. In order to accomplish the study's goals and objectives, a qualitative research design was employed. Snowball sampling was used to select women over 18 years old enrolled in a university in North Cyprus having at least one child and speaking English. Semistructured interviews, lasting 30-50 minutes were carried out with study participants. The interviews were transcribed, coded into themes and sub-themes, and then analysed thematically. The study results revealed that student mothers bear a heavy burden of motherhood responsibilities, leading to significant emotional stress and a negative impact on their mental well-being. The mothers also encounter challenges in finding sufficient support systems, such as lactation rooms and childcare services. To overcome these obstacles, the respondents emphasize the importance of effective time management to balance their academic studies with caring for their children. The respondents report that having a support system from family members and colleagues is valuable for coping with the challenges of motherhood and education. Therefore, addressing the challenges faced by student mothers requires a holistic approach that recognizes the intersectionality of their roles.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Women's Studies

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Ifunanya Lilian Nnadi ^*
0009-0004-0807-3682
Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti

Ayşe Özada Nazım
0000-0003-4863-3168
Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti

Early Pub Date

February 27, 2025

Publication Date

February 27, 2025

Submission Date

July 4, 2024

Acceptance Date

January 6, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2024 Volume: 25 Number: 2

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA69JC89MM

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Nnadi, I. L., & Özada Nazım, A. (2025). Student Mothers: Experiences of Young Mothers Studying at University. Kadın/Woman/2000, 25(2), 63-82. https://izlik.org/JA69JC89MM

AMA

1.Nnadi IL, Özada Nazım A. Student Mothers: Experiences of Young Mothers Studying at University. JWS. 2025;25(2):63-82. https://izlik.org/JA69JC89MM

Chicago

Nnadi, Ifunanya Lilian, and Ayşe Özada Nazım. 2025. “Student Mothers: Experiences of Young Mothers Studying at University”. Kadın/Woman/2000 25 (2): 63-82. https://izlik.org/JA69JC89MM.

EndNote

Nnadi IL, Özada Nazım A (February 1, 2025) Student Mothers: Experiences of Young Mothers Studying at University. Kadın/Woman 2000 25 2 63–82.

IEEE

[1]I. L. Nnadi and A. Özada Nazım, “Student Mothers: Experiences of Young Mothers Studying at University”, JWS, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 63–82, Feb. 2025, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA69JC89MM

ISNAD

Nnadi, Ifunanya Lilian - Özada Nazım, Ayşe. “Student Mothers: Experiences of Young Mothers Studying at University”. Kadın/Woman 2000 25/2 (February 1, 2025): 63-82. https://izlik.org/JA69JC89MM.

JAMA

1.Nnadi IL, Özada Nazım A. Student Mothers: Experiences of Young Mothers Studying at University. JWS. 2025;25:63–82.

MLA

Nnadi, Ifunanya Lilian, and Ayşe Özada Nazım. “Student Mothers: Experiences of Young Mothers Studying at University”. Kadın/Woman/2000, vol. 25, no. 2, Feb. 2025, pp. 63-82, https://izlik.org/JA69JC89MM.

Vancouver

1.Ifunanya Lilian Nnadi, Ayşe Özada Nazım. Student Mothers: Experiences of Young Mothers Studying at University. JWS [Internet]. 2025 Feb. 1;25(2):63-82. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA69JC89MM