Emotional Burden Among Student Mothers

Abstract

This study aimed to find out the emotional burden among student mothers, coping strategies, and measures that can be taken to reduce the emotional burden. This is qualitative study adopted a feminist and interpretive paradigm approach. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to select 13 student mothers of ages between 14-26 years. A structured interview was used to collect data for the study. The findings showed that student mothers suffered emotional burden due to the overwhelming responsibilities and lack of understanding. The data also revealed that the student mothers coped with the emotional burden through acceptance, avoidance, sharing with friends and spiritual leaders, and planning. The implications and recommendations are discussed.