'The Struggle Is Real': A Qualitative Case Study on the Impact of Role Strain on Nontraditional Female Business Graduate Students

In light of evolving demographics, higher education institutions must guarantee that their programs adequately address the unique requirements of female students. These changes have considerable significance for program administrators as well. Nontraditional students, particularly females, grapple with the effects of role strain more acutely than their traditional counterparts. Role strain, characterized as "the perceived difficulty in fulfilling role obligations" (Goode, 1960, p. 483), presents a notable challenge for these students. Graduate programs must actively acknowledge and comprehend the ramifications of role strain on nontraditional female graduate students, implementing strategies and policies to alleviate and lessen these challenges. Goode's theory of role strain guided this qualitative case study. I thoroughly analyzed surveys from four participants and conducted semi-structured one-on-one interviews from the same four participants, all of whom were either current or graduated MBA or business MS students. Furthermore, I reviewed the participants' validated interview transcripts to ensure triangulation in the study. The focus of the research centered on understanding the influence of role strain on the success of nontraditional female business graduate students. The objective of this qualitative single case study was to comprehend the impact of role strain on nontraditional female business graduate students and explore ways graduate school administration could assist in alleviating and mitigating this impact. The findings highlight the necessity for graduate program administration and faculty to adapt and accommodate to the unique needs of this rapidly growing student demographic. The study demonstrates the importance of nontraditional female business graduate students sharing their experiences to guide, mentor, and support new and prospective students. Additionally, the findings also revealed that women enrolling in a business graduate program need to have a strong personal and professional support system in place, as well as strive to make connections with nontraditional female students further in the program or graduated from the program as an additional sort of support. The asset of having supports in place is crucial to navigate the role strain of adding the role of student to current life roles and responsibilities. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]