Student–Parents’ Mental Health: Factors Affecting Anxiety and Depression

Abstract

This study examined determinants of anxiety and depression level among student–parents at a large, Hispanic‐serving higher education institution. Based on the Double ABC‐X stress theory, we included variables capturing resources and perceptions in predicting psychological distress of the 252 student–parent sample. In addition, we examined possible differences between Hispanic and non‐Hispanic student–parent respondents. While our descriptive results showed the ethnic differences in resources and perceived challenges, results from multivariate analyses did not demonstrate ethnic differences in the prediction of anxiety and depression levels. This implies that for student–parents enrolled at a four‐year institution, challenges are rather universal. Our findings can benefit higher education administration in developing effective mental health and support programs to student–parents.

A retrospective analysis of the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on systemic barriers to success for university student parents

“…Mental health is also a particular challenge for student parents. While attending college or university can be difficult for any student, and mental health is of particular concern, the additional stress of parenting creates unique and acute mental health challenges for student parents (Brooks, 2015;Abbas et al, 2021;Cho et al, 2021). This stress has many sources, but unique to student parents is the guilt of prioritizing one's needs above social expectations of parenting, particularly for mothers (Brooks, 2015;Moreau, 2016a,b).…”

A Retrospective Analysis of the Perceived Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Systemic Barriers to Success for University Student Parents

“…Mental health is also a particular challenge for student parents. While attending college or university can be difficult for any student, and mental health is of particular concern, the additional stress of parenting creates unique and acute mental health challenges for student parents (Abbas, Hosseini, Escamilla & Pego, 2021;Brooks, 2015;Cho, Roy, & Dayne, 2021). This stress has many sources, but unique to student parents is the guilt of prioritizing one's needs above social expectations of parenting, particularly for mothers (Brooks, 2015; The pandemic greatly disrupted the lives of student parents and, in addition to exacerbating those already articulated in the literature, introduced new hurdles for student parents.…”

Understanding Graduate Student Parents: Influence of Parental Status, Gender, and Major on Graduate Students’ Motivation, Stress, and Satisfaction

“…However, graduate student parents are in a unique position where they are challenged with financial and job insecurity while also required to fully commit themselves to intense study, work, and family obligations. Studies of graduate students suggest that they experience high levels of stress, time pressure, loneliness, and financial constraints (Cho et al, 2021; Dolson & Deemer, 2020; Grady et al, 2014; Hyun et al, 2006; Offstein et al, 2004). The numerous struggles graduate students experience may be derived from their unique position within the institution, which Grady et al (2014) explain as “betwixt and between,” suggesting that graduate students are “neither fully students nor fully professionals” (p. 6).…”