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Teen Parents

Some studies of physical abuse, in particular, have found that teenage mothers tend to exhibit higher rates of child abuse than did older mothers. Other factors, such as lower economic status, lack of social support, and high stress levels, may contribute to the link between adolescent mothers or young parents and child abuse.¹

Child Abuse and Adolescent Parenting: Developing a Theoretical Model from an Ecological Perspective
Afifi
Journal of Aggression Maltreatment and Trauma, 14(3), 2007
View Abstract
Reviews established theories on child abuse, abusive parenting, and adolescent parenting to synthesize a proposed child abuse and adolescent parenting model.

Children of Adolescent Mothers: Are They at Risk for Abuse?
Buchholz & Korn-Bursztyn
Adolescence, 28(110), 1993
View Abstract
Focuses on conditions under which adolescent parents may be at greater or lesser risk of maltreating children.

A Longitudinal Analysis of Maternal Abuse Potential and Developmental Delays in Children of Adolescent Mothers
Dukewich, Borkowski, & Whitman
Child Abuse and Neglect, 23(5), 1999
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Examines the impact of adolescent mothers' abuse potential on the development of preschool children.

Poverty, Early Childbearing, and Child Maltreatment: A Multinomial Analysis
Lee & George
Children and Youth Services Review, 21(9-10), 1999
View Abstract
Research findings suggest maternal age and poverty are strong predictors of substantiated reports of abuse.

Predicting Child Abuse and Neglect by Adolescent Mothers
Zuravin, Masnyk, & DiBlasio (1992)
View Abstract
Attempts to identify characteristics that link adolescent mothers to an increased risk for maltreatment.

Predicting Maltreatment of Children of Teenage Mothers
Flanagan, Coll, Andreozzi, & Riggs
Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 149, 1995
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Study examines characteristics of young high-risk families.

Predicting Maternal Outcomes
O'Callaghan & Dukewich (2001)
In Interwoven Lives: Adolescent Mothers and Their Children
View Abstract
Data from the Notre Dame Parenting Project were analyzed to identify the maternal characteristics that contribute to quality of parenting and risk for abuse.

¹ Adapted from J. Goldman, M. K. Salus, D. Wolcott, and K. Y. Kennedy. (2003). A coordinated response to child abuse and neglect: The foundation for practice. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved June 2006 from http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/foundation/foundatione.cfm back

	Related Information Gateway Topics Out-of-home care: Teen pregnancy and parenting Supporting & preserving families: Specialized services for young parents Adoption: Supporting birth parents - Teens

Updated on September 18, 2008