adolescence parents Flashcards
pregnancy in adolescence
rates of teen pregnancy decreasing
Teen mum’: often young, single,
socioeconomically disadvantaged female
(Moore & Brooks-Gunn, 2002)
* But not always
* And, adolescent fathers too
‘Risk factors’ include:
* Neighbourhood; school problems; lack of
contraception; low aspirations
* Having a relative/friend who’s an adolescent
parent (Holden et al., 1993; Moore & Brooks-Gunn, 2002)
*Older sister having a baby in her teens
doubles probability of younger sibling doing
the same (Monstad, Propper & Salvanes, 2011)
Research that shows adolescence mothers can be good mothers!
can provide good quality of childcare
Despite societal concerns, young mothers can still provide nurturing and effective childcare. They may be highly engaged in their child’s life and motivated to be good parents.
Competent; warm; responsive; appropriate discipline
Many young mothers display key positive parenting qualities. They can be warm and emotionally available, ensuring their children feel secure. Responsiveness—attending to their child’s needs and emotions—is crucial for attachment and development. They may also set appropriate boundaries and discipline, promoting healthy behavior.
But, lower levels of talking and cognitive stimulation (Moore & Brooks-Gunn, 2002)
Research suggests that young mothers, particularly teenagers, may engage in less verbal interaction and cognitive stimulation with their children. This could be due to factors such as lower education levels, stress, or fewer resources for learning activities. Reduced language exposure can impact children’s vocabulary, literacy, and cognitive development.
Levine et al., 2001=This paper discusses how some adolescent mothers can be competent caregivers, providing warmth, responsiveness, and structure in their children’s lives, despite social and economic disadvantages.
Morison 1997 This study acknowledges that while adolescent motherhood is often associated with challenges, many young mothers display resilience and strong caregiving abilities, leading to positive outcomes for their children
review- johnson 2025- This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of parenting education for adolescent parents and its potential impact on their children’s health and development. Only nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Results indicated that children of adolescent parents who received parenting education had better outcomes in academic achievement, emotional regulation, secure attachment styles, expressive language, and lower hospitalizations. Investing in parenting education may improve outcomes for children.
negatives associated with young mothers
Educational Attainment: Approximately 50% of teen mothers obtain a high school diploma by age 22, compared to 90% of women who do not give birth during adolescence. This educational gap limits their employment opportunities and earning potential.
Economic Hardship: Limited education often leads to low-paying jobs, increasing the likelihood of poverty among teen mothers. This economic strain can hinder their ability to provide for their children’s needs
coyne et al., 2022- Educational and Behavioral Issues: A comprehensive national cohort study in Sweden, spanning 30 years, found that offspring of teenage mothers had higher rates of criminal convictions, poor academic performance, and substance-related problems. Notably, when comparing siblings within the same family, the associations with criminal convictions and poor academic performance diminished, suggesting that shared familial factors might play a significant role. However, the increased risk of substance-related problems persisted, indicating a potential direct effect of adolescent motherhood on this outcome.
things that affect this relationship
Erfina et al., 2019-
Based on this review, factors influencing a successful to transition to motherhood for adolescents included physical problems related to birth and breastfeeding, psychological well-being, ability to care for their baby, social support, education and economic strain and the provision of healthcare. The literature indicated a relationship between social supports and the development of positive maternal identity in the transition period for adolescent motherhood. Future healthcare interventions for adolescent mothers during the transitional period should aim to provide social support and the increase ability of adolescent mothers to manage the physical and psychological challenges of young motherhood, and enhance new mothers’ knowledge about caring for babies.
support can buffer-
Erfina et al., 2019
Because most negative causes of adolescence motherhood are environmental rather than simply the fact of being a younger mother- support can buffer these effects. A review by Erfina et al., 2019 cocnluded that social support as well as healthcare interventions for the physical challenges of being a mother can enhance mothers knowledge and ease of becoming a parent!
social support and stigma
Teenage parents often face heightened social stigma and reduced support networks, which can make parenting significantly more challenging. Young mothers, in particular, may encounter judgment from peers, family, and society, leading to isolation and limited access to social support systems (Owens et al., 2022). In contrast, older parents are more likely to have well-established networks of friends and family, which can provide both emotional and practical support.
However, research highlights that teenage parents who receive strong social support can still provide stable, nurturing environments. Support from family, community programs, and external mentors can significantly buffer the negative effects of teenage parenthood. Studies suggest that social support is a crucial protective factor—it can reduce parenting stress, lower the risk of postnatal depression, and improve overall child well-being (McConnell et al., 2011). In some cases, a well-supported teenage parent may provide a better environment than an older parent who lacks strong social connections or struggles with personal challenges.
