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Effects of Parenting on Teens
A significantly higher prevalence rate of depression exists in teen mothers
when compared to adult mothers (Piyasil, 1998, p. 125-129).
The difficulty teenage mothers have in school as evidenced by their
lower-than-expected grade levels leads them to have a shortened educational
experience, with limited job skills, and a greater dependence on welfare
(Burke and Liston, 1994, p. 593-598).
Teenage mothers and their children tend to have poorer life chances
(Folkes-Skinner and Meredith, 1997, p. 139-140).
Factors that influence adolescent parenting: (Elster, McAnarney, and
Lamb, 1983 as cited in Burke and Liston, 1994, p. 594)
stress
coping/emotional support
social support
child rearing attitudes and family experiences with the parenting role
knowledge of child development
characteristics of the infant
adolescent mother's cognitive and psychosocial development
resources to meet financial needs (transportation, child care supplies,
medical care)
Parents identified their most common surprise since becoming a parent
was increased responsibility and personal growth. Changes for the better
include self-improvement and having someone to love. Changes for the worst
include restrictions on their lives (Burke and Liston, 1994, p. 596).
Research shows that adolescent parents who have a higher incidence of
positive interactions with children and know more about children's developmental
needs are more competent in child rearing. The adolescent mother also has
an improved self-esteem.
The meaning a pregnancy holds for an adolescent varies with her desired
goals in life. A pregnancy may bring opportunities and hopefulness for
the future. For example the opportunity to love, nurture, and develop a
close relationship with another (Hurlbut, Culp, Jambunathan and Butler,
1997, p. 638-649; Connelly, 1998, p. 195-207; Ruchala and James, 1997,
p. 685-689). |
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