Citation

Haskett ME, Johnson CA, Miller JW. J. Child Psychol. Psychiatry 1994; 35(3): 461-476.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, NCSU, Raleigh 27695.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8195306

Abstract

Abuse risk potential and parenting attitudes of 66 adolescent mothers were examined during the perinatal period using self-report instruments. Approximately one-half of the sample was considered to be at significant risk. Specific risk factors included distress, rigidity in parenting attitudes, and inappropriate expectations of children. Younger adolescents were at greater risk of abuse, advocated the use of physical punishment more strongly, and reported greater unhappiness than older adolescents. Teens reporting limited social support were also at greater risk for abuse. Low acceptance of the pregnancy was related to abuse potential for parenting, but not pregnant, adolescents. A history of maltreatment was related to self-reported problems with family members but not to overall risk. Implications for the prevention of abuse among adolescent mothers are discussed.

Language: en