Resilience Of Undergraduate Student Mothers In Public Universities
Kamara Margaret Kosgey
Moi University, Department of Educational Foundations
Chang’ach Koskey John
Moi University, Department of Educational Foundations
Kimengi Njuguna Isaac
Moi University, Department of Educational Foundations
Keywords: Lived experience, Triple role, Resilience, Public Universities
Abstract
The purpose of this research paper is to offer insight into resilience in undergraduate student mothers and presents results of one of the objectives of a wider study. Unlike their counterparts who defer studies or drop out of university when they get babies, these resilient young undergraduates are able to handle schooling and motherhood effectively. The study focus is the development of resilience in these mothers who get to be mothers while studying and barely out of adolescence. Set in the constructivist paradigm, the basically qualitative research adopted the descriptive phenomenology design set in the Straussian tradition of research in lived experience. The theoretical framework included black feminist theory underlining feminist marginalization, grounded theory adopted in data collection and resilience theory that emerged in data collection and analysis. The study targeted undergraduate student mothers in the third year of study who had lived motherhood from first or second academic year and Deans of schools. The study was guided by objectives: To explore features of a day in the life of an undergraduate student mother in schooling and parenting; To identify factors that define the undergraduate student mother experience; To establish the sources of strengths and support for the undergraduate student mothers. Using in-depth face to face interviews with open ended questions in semi-structured interview schedules, a simple purposive sample of five undergraduate student mothers and four Deans of schools were interviewed. Oral recorded data was transcribed, coded and discussed under themes with verbatim quotes. Results indicated that the student mothers had developed resilience at various levels that enabled them prevail the challenges of the triple role. Coping strategies like acceptance of the baby and motherhood status, motivation to beat the odds and determination to prove their worth reflected emotional resilience while physical resilience in household chores, assignments, baby care and social responsibilities were well articulated. Skills in managing finances were also adopted. Support from family, friends and inner psyche were responsible for the development of resilience. The study recommends mentorship to develop resilience in undergraduate women to beat the odds, make informed choice or manage the triple role.