Exploring the lived experiences of student mothers in selected higher educational institutions in the Fifth District of Camarines Sur / Sheila S. Zate.

Masters Theses (MAN) - Nursing. Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, 2026.

Includes bibliographic references.

Balancing education, personal life, and academic responsibilities is a major challenge for student mothers. This study explored the lived experiences of student mothers in selected Higher Education Institutions in the 5th District of Camarines Sur. It aimed to understand their psychosocial and emotional experiences, academic challenges, coping mechanisms, and support systems as they navigate the dual roles of being both students and mothers. Guided by a qualitative research design, the study employed in-depth interviews to gather rich, descriptive data from purposively selected participants who are currently enrolled, student mothers. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns, meanings, and significant themes from their narratives. Findings revealed that student mothers experienced a range of psychosocial and emotional challenges, including stress, anxiety, guilt, and self-doubt, particularly in balancing motherhood responsibilities with academic demands. Participants also encountered academic difficulties such as time constraints, fatigue, and role strain, which affected their focus and performance in school. Despite these challenges, the student mothers demonstrated resilience by developing effective coping strategies, including time management, self-discipline, motivation, and task prioritization. The study also highlighted the importance of support systems, including family, peers, and institutional assistance, in helping student mothers cope with their responsibilities and continue their education. Financial support, emotional encouragement, and academic flexibility were identified as significant factors in their perseverance. Overall, the findings suggest that while student motherhood presents considerable challenges, it also fosters personal growth, resilience, and determination to achieve educational goals. The study concludes that higher educational institutions should implement inclusive policies and support mechanisms to better meet the needs of student mothers and promote their academic success and well-being.