MA, Kent State University, 2013, College of Education, Health and Human Services / School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences

The purpose of this study is to examine the instrumental, social and emotional supports in place for young mothers ages 18-24 as they persist through college. Five parenting college students from a large, public four-year university completed a modified version of the Arizona Social Support Interview Schedule (ASSIS) and responded to a series of 20 open-ended questions to assess challenges, opportunities, and support needs from the beginning of their pregnancies until the present day. Results showed student-parents receive most of their support from family members and friends and often struggle balancing their multiple roles as student, parents and employees. Implications from this study point to an increased need for college and universities to create and promote policies that remove barriers for this population.

Committee: Rhonda Richardson PhD (Advisor); Kathleen Walker PhD (Committee Member); Dale Curry PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Higher Education; Individual and Family Studies