Juggling in Between Work, Home, and University: Female Master Students’ Experience of Multi Roles Conflict

Abstract

Abstract: Multi roles conflict (MRC) refers to tensions that are created due to incompatible multiple roles and responsibilities. Female master’s students face a heightened risk of experiencing MRC, as they must balance academic, professional, and family roles simultaneously. This paper reviews theoretical frameworks to analyse MRC experienced by female students in Indonesia context. Based on literature research, this paper explores the challenges to be faced, psychological impacts, and coping strategies related to MRC. The studies reviewed indicate that the challenges might be faced by female master’s students are role overload, time-based conflict, strain-based conflict, behavior-based conflict, and role ambiguity. The psychological consequences of MRC entail stress, anxiety, depression, irritability, lowered self-esteem and social withdrawal. Meanwhile the coping strategies involve structural role redefinition (seeking support from family, supervisors and colleagues, timely communication, and job flexibility), personal role redefinition (cognitive reframing, setting clear expectation), and reactive role behaviour (time management and developing personal hobbies). Understanding the multiple role challenges faced by female master’s students may contribute to their institution, workplace, and organization for enhancing their well-being and promoting a more sustainable balance among academic, personal, and professional role.