Abstract
The student life of college mothers shows complementary issues that need to be evaluated when compared with the same dynamic in students that are not mothers. The theoretical framework of the psychodynamics of work recognizes studying and mothering occupations as work activities, since they demand cognitive, physical, and temporal effort with a social purpose. The aim of this article was to assess the damage arising from these two workloads, especially, in their physical, psychological, and social dimensions, to the lives of women undergraduate students who have children up to five years old. We used a quantitative methodology with the application of the Work-Related Damage Assessment Scale (EADRT), adapted to the university and maternity context. The scale was answered by 453 college student mothers. Thus, we found a heterogeneous sample, whose answers pointed to variations in the perception of damage; correlations between factors; and connections with the socio demographic variables. Therefore, we discuss the presence of physical, social, and psychological damages considered severe for both activities. However, when the student mothers live with a partner or have a higher income, the social and psychological damage are lesser. In conclusion, this study expanded the knowledge about who are the Brazilian undergraduate student mothers and the type/degree of damages to their health they experienced, highlighting that the build-up of the two roles leads to critical levels that can be mitigated by family support and by assistance to issues concerning economic vulnerability. Finally, the importance to scientifically analyze these realities, serving as foundation for public policies and future intervention strategies, is reinforced.
Keywords:
College student mothers; Damage; Work