Types and sources of social support and maternal-student role stress in married associate degree nursing students.

This paper presents findings from a secondary data analysis designed to determine, specifically, which types and sources of social support are associated with Maternal Student Role Stress for women in two age groups. Participants in the study were students in an Associate Degree nursing program who were married and had at least one child living at home. Data were collected at 11 community colleges in New York and New Jersey. For women aged 37 years and older, all types of support from their husbands and children were associated with less Maternal Student Role Stress. For women under 37 years of age, affirmation and aid from their husbands; aid from their children; and affect, affirmation, and aid from their mothers-in-law were associated with less Maternal Student Role Stress. Findings are interpreted in light of the groups' varied developmental stages, and recommendations for future research and practice are offered.