“There’s Always Going to Be Uncertainty”: Exploring Undergraduate Student Parents’ Sources of Uncertainty and Related Management Practices

Abstract

Framed by uncertainty management theory, the present study explores the uncertainty issues and management practices of undergraduate student parents. Results from 40 narrative interviews reveal seven sources of uncertainty, eight management practices, and two uncertainty trade-offs. Findings reveal that having two interrelated identities (student and parent) not only exacerbate some uncertainties but create completely new ones. This intersectionality also holds implications for management practices. Theoretical implications and practical applications are discussed.

Let's get visible: evidence-based interventions aimed at supporting, empowering and celebrating student-parents in higher education.

“…Whilst further research since 2014 has explored the experiences of studentparents (e.g. Brooks, 2015;Moreau and Kerner, 2015;O'Shea, 2015;Sallee, 2015;Mallman and Lee, 2016;Parr, 2017;Dickson and Tennant, 2018;Stone and O'Shea, 2019;Scharp et al, 2020;Webber and Dismore, 2020;Briegel et al, 2021), there is no evidence in the literature or elsewhere of Moreau's recommendations having been heeded in any deliberate or organised way. Several recent studies have focused on the impact of Covid-19 on student-parents (Arowoshola, 2020;Lin et al, 2021;Savage, 2021;Bogossian, 2021;Nikiforidou and Holmes, 2022) This action research study (Arnold and Norton, 2018) employed an inductive approach, helping the researcher to understand what is happening in practice (Saunders et al, 2012) and involving the collection of data and the subsequent emergence of theory and meaning (Stokes and Wall, 2014).…”

Student Parents or Parent Students in Lockdown Pandemic? A Third Space approach

“…Similarly, participants felt lack of engagement and commitment to their studies due to time restrictions, distractions and lack of motivation and connectivity with the wider University, due to the online context. Struggles and uncertainties in being a parent student have been underlined previously (Scharp et al, 2020) and equally, student parents have identified time and emotional challenges (Moreau, 2016), sleep deprivation (Marandet & Wainwright, 2010), feelings of guilt and ‘missing out’ (Moreau & Kerner, 2015) and uncertainty-induced stress (Scharp & Dorrance Hall, 2018).…”

“…Furthermore, the institutional and cultural norms and ideals associated with being a parent and being a student influence how student parents try to balance these intersecting identities (Estes, 2011). Nevertheless, this ongoing process might be met with struggles, uncertainties and opportunities (Scharp, Cooper, Worwood, & Dorrance Hall, 2020).…”

“…The personal views of parent students as well as the wider support systems in place intertwine while managing these dual identities and the uncertainties that derive (Scharp et al, 2020). Van Rhijn and Lero (2014) found in their study with 398 student parents that their own beliefs in their ability to function adequately (self-efficacy) in their studies and parental roles predicted their perceived ability to meet the demands of their multiple roles and satisfaction with life.…”

Toward Many Emerging Adulthoods: A Theory-Based Examination of the Features of Emerging Adulthood for Cross-Systems Youth

“…Miller et al, 2017). Such programming need not assume a deficit approach, as there is value in highlighting the assets and ways in which vulnerable populations—such as students who are homeless, parenting, or undocumented—contribute to their communities, campuses, and families, despite the uncertainties and sense of liminality with which these populations content (Katsiaficas et al, 2018; Scharp et al, 2020).…”