Predicting Role Conflict, Overload and Contagion in Adult Women University Students with Families and Jobs

Abstract

Many adult women studying at universities face difficulties related to their multiple roles, yet little is known about vulnerable groups or supportive responses. This study of 443 women with jobs and families enrolled in adult education, social work, or nursing identified to what extent life situations, institutional supports, and perceived demands and support systems predict role conflict, overload, and contagion. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify predictors. Income was the only life situation predictor, with lower income increasing vulnerability to role conflict. Perceived intensity of student demands was the strongest predictor of conflict, overload and contagion, with family and job demands next. Use of distance education eased conflict and contagion but some other university adaptations may increase vulnerability. Adult educators should press for increased access to adequate financial support and distance education, while continuing to evaluate the usefulness of other institutional supports for different nontraditional students.

The Impact of Emotions on Practicum Learning

“…As identified in earlier research (Home, 1998), juggling domestic, paid work and study responsibilities created significant tension for the women we interviewed. Most of the students also talked about the additional financial burden experienced as a result of undertaking placement.…”

“…In addition to cutting back on paid employment, six students in our cohort mentioned they also had key care giving responsibilities for dependent children. Previous research on the experience of mature aged students re-entering education (Osborne et al, 2004;Home, 1998) reported stressors related to the cost of the course and additional childcare while juggling the competing demands on time.…”

“…Such students are referred to as the mature student (Leder & Forgasz, 2004), the 'nontraditional' student (Zosky, White, Unger & Mills, 2004), and the adult student (Home, 1998). During 2006, 24 % of the Australian wide undergraduate student population were aged 25 and over, with 14% aged 30 and over (DEST, 2007).…”

The Impact of Salary Structure, Performance Requirements, and Type of Business on the Performance of Housing Brokerage Employees

“…The marital status coefficient was expected to be a negative value. With regard to family status, the empirical findings of Beutell and Greenhaus (1982) and Home (1998) indicated that employees who have children younger than six years old are unable to simultaneously dedicate full attention to both family and work, and this affects their work performance. Since small children rely on family for nurturing and upbringing, more time and effort is required to care for them, which affects an employee's working hours and performance.…”

Online Post LPN to BN Students' Views of Transitioning to a New Nursing Role

“…Home (1998) revealed that their lower income increased their vulnerability to role conflict, overload and contagion. And Atack and Rankin (2002) explained that having access to computers for course work in health care settings can be problematic.…”