A QUALITATIVE APPROACH TOWARD UNDERSTANDING THE TRANSITION FROM CAREER TO FULLTIME MOTHERHOOD Cynthia Marie Vejar Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education Octavia D. Madison-Colmore, Ed.D. & Mercedes B. ter Maat, Ph.D., Co-Chairpersons Marvin G. Cline, Ph.D., Committee Member Tammy L. Henderson, Ph.D., Committee Member Karen Rosen, Ed.D., Committee Member April 9, 2003 Falls Church, Virginia Keywords: Mothering, Stay-at-Home Status, Career Status A QUALITATIVE APPROACH TOWARD UNDERSTANDING THE TRANSITION FROM CAREER TO FULLTIME MOTHERHOOD by Cynthia Marie Vejar Octavia Madison-Colmore & Mercedes B. ter Maat, Ph.D., Co-Chairpersons (ABSTRACT) The dissertation begins by discussing the essence of the current study, which sought to accurately portray the experiences and realities of fulltime mothers, followed by a comprehensive literature review surrounding issues pertinent in motherhood. Subsequently, an explanation of the methodological approach utilized in the current study is provided, in addition to the overview of a pilot study which exemplified potential themes, obstacles, and assets anticipated within the actual research. The case studies of four women chosen to represent issues relevant to fulltime mothers are presented. Finally, the creation of a substantive Stay-at-home- mothering (i.e., SAHM) Model is offered, along with two SAHM portraits and a conclusion section, which includes an implications section along with an exploration of the personal discoveries made by the current researcher. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The tremendous support I have received throughout my doctoral program is overwhelming, and I would like to give my heartfelt gratitude toward the key figures who played significant roles in my life during this period. I wholeheartedly appreciate the amount of time, energy and encouragement my dissertation committee has extended toward the advancement of my scholarly endeavors. I feel lucky to have grown as a counselor educator alongside my two co-chairpersons, Drs. Madison-Colmore and ter Maat, both of whom have influenced me as a counselor, clinical supervisor, and burgeoning researcher. Both have assisted me throughout the course of internships, class work, and individual consultations and I am in awe of their collective insight, expertise, and kindness. From Dr. ter Maat I have strengthened my work ethic and concept of diplomacy; from Dr. Madison-Colmore I have expanded my desire to be a lifelong learner, while inspiring others along the way. In addition, I owe my growing interest in qualitative research to Dr. Cline; his breadth of knowledge in all subject matter is amazing, as well as his depth of understanding and dedication toward qualitative research, and he has challenged me to process information and analyze data with innovation and vigor. Dr. Rosen initially sparked my interest in family dynamics in a class that proved quite enlightening and interesting, as well as providing feedback on my data from a systemic framework. Dr. Henderson also has offered extensive knowledge surrounding the family system and Womanist Theories, and I am grateful for her precision and attention to detailed accuracy. All five of my committee members operate with integrity and are motivated by the pursuit of knowledge, and have been excellent role-models to a novice researcher. The women who participated in my study were extremely helpful, thorough and extended hospitality and warmth throughout the course of our interviews. I am eternally indebted to the iii time they took out of their busy schedules to meet with me, along with the intriguing information they provided. I hope that I can, in turn, produce meaningful work which communicates their powerful messages. I would also like to extend my thanks to family members; my “own” fulltime mother who has continuously provided me with a life filled with love, nurturance, and understanding. Likewise, I would like to extend appreciation toward my father, who imparts calm stability, wisdom and who has always been the “number one” supporter in my educational pursuits. Additionally, many thanks toward my sister and brother who have offered a lifetime of humor, care, and friendship. Regard to my lifelong friends, Caroline and Patty as well as to Lara for providing information regarding the fulltime mothering role. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .............................................................................................................ii i TABLE OF CONTENTS................................................................................................................v List of Figures............................................................................................................................... vii CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................................. 1 Introduction................................................................................................................................. 1 Introduction to Motherhood.................................................................................................... 1 Statement of the Problem........................................................................................................4 Background of the Problem .................................................................................................... 6 Study Objectives ..................................................................................................................... 8 Significance of the Study........................................................................................................ 9 Assumptions.......................................................................................................................... 11 Limitations ............................................................................................................................ 13 Definitions of Terms............................................................................................................. 13 CHAPTER TWO .......................................................................................................................... 15 Review of Related Research ..................................................................................................... 15 Introduction........................................................................................................................... 15 Attachment Issues and Daycare Enrollment......................................................................... 15 Employment.......................................................................................................................... 24 Work Obstacles..................................................................................................................... 28 Differences Between Fulltime and Employed Mothers........................................................ 30 Developmental Issues ........................................................................................................... 31 Liability................................................................................................................................. 32 Conceptualization of Motherhood ........................................................................................ 33 Attitudes Toward Employment and Caregiving ................................................................... 34 Housework and Caregiving................................................................................................... 39 Health Issues And Motherhood ............................................................................................ 41 Gender................................................................................................................................... 47 Nontraditional Values ........................................................................................................... 49 Implications........................................................................................................................... 61 CHAPTER THREE ...................................................................................................................... 63 Methodology............................................................................................................................. 63 Research Design.................................................................................................................... 63 Participants............................................................................................................................ 66 Measuring Tool..................................................................................................................... 67 Recruitment Procedures........................................................................................................ 69 Data Collection Procedures................................................................................................... 70 Data Analysis Procedures ..................................................................................................... 71 Pilot Test ............................................................................................................................... 73 CHAPTER FOUR........................................................................................................................