[Quality of Life of Teenage Mothers, University Students]

Abstract

Introduction: University education and motherhood are two aspects not generally associated, although their relationship determines a significant risk regarding the learning process of student-mothers.

Objective: To assess life quality as perceived by university- student mothers.

Methods: Comprehensive study of the phenomenological-hermeneutical type. Interviews and life stories of 34 students between 19 and 24, who were, or are teenager mothers, were used. A qualitative analysis was applied to triangulate the discourses so as to establish relationships between practice and the social phenomenon studied.

Results: The University as a social support network is negatively perceived; student mothers feel rejected and disregarded. Sometimes they feel alone and experience emotional emptiness. Additionally, physical health, stress and depression affect their emotional health; in general, they also experience eating and sleeping difficulties. When positively assumed, motherhood generates personal productivity leading to professional growth thus achieving a good working performance.

Conclusions: The quality of life in student-mothers is strongly linked to the condition of their family relationships and the social support perceived in the university context. In terms of their personal productivity, emotional expression, health, and safety, they become dependent but can be strengthened with acceptance of the commitment implied by motherhood within their families and academic communities. Universities face a major challenge regarding this reality and the criteria to be followed to accompany the integral formation student-mothers.

Keywords: Calidad de vida; Quality of life; adolescent motherhood; estudiantes universitarios; maternidad adolescente; university students.