Abstract

Despite availability of effective treatments women with postpartum anxiety (PPA) commonly go untreated because of barriers to care. Student mothers are a particularly vulnerable subgroup of women as they tend to be younger, are less likely to be married, and have lower incomes than non-student mothers. As anxiety rates in college women are higher than the general population and higher than college men, student mothers are at high risk of the adverse effects of untreated PPA. There is a paucity of existing literature about student mothers and mental health. The aim of the current study is to understand the help-seeking decision-making processes and experiences of student mothers with symptoms of PPA. Utilizing multi-perspective interpretive phenomenological (IPA) focus groups, 22 student mothers were interviewed about their experiences with PPA. Data was analyzed and interpreted across and within focus groups and multiple perspectives using an IPA framework. Four themes emerged from the data: (a) formation of maternal identity, (b) symptoms of PPA, (c) burdens and barriers, and (d) social and institutional supports. The themes were found to interact with each other in complex and nuanced ways that impact student mother help-seeking decision-making. Efforts to reduce burdens, increase support and belonging, and clearly communicate the costs and benefits of resources may increase help-seeking in student mothers. The study gave rise to four recommendations that universities can implement to better support student mothers.

Degree

PhD

College and Department

David O. McKay School of Education; Counseling Psychology and Special Education

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2026-04-10

Document Type

Dissertation

Keywords

student mothers, postpartum anxiety, perinatal mental health, help seeking, university belonging, college women

Language

english

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