Transition to motherhood in the academic trajectory: strategies of dynamic self-repair and resistance in the social field of young university students

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the strategies of dynamic self-repair and resistance in the social field built by young university students who unexpectedly became pregnant during their academic formation. From the perspective of Semiotic Cultural Psychology, a case study built in a narrative interview situation will be presented. The case analysis reveals that the unplanned pregnancy was experienced by the young woman as a disruptive event, which, together with a restricted social and institutional support, resulted in significant challenges to reconcile different demands, putting her mental health at risk. In this scenario of complex developmental demands, intense efforts should be made with the purpose of dynamic self-repair and resistance to remain in the university.