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. 1997;7(3):331-48.
doi: 10.1207/s15327795jra0703_5.

When both parents may be a source of support and problems: an analysis of pregnant and parenting female African American adolescents' relationships with their mothers and fathers

A A Davis, J E Rhodes, J Hamilton-leaks

When both parents may be a source of support and problems: an analysis of pregnant and parenting female African American adolescents' relationships with their mothers and fathers

A A Davis et al. J Res Adolesc. 1997.

Abstract

PIP: This study identified a subsample of pregnant and parenting African-American adolescents (AAAs), reporting maternal vs. paternal supportive or problematic interactions, or both, with their parents. It compared the types of support or problems from mothers and fathers and the impact on the psychological well-being of the adolescents. Interviews were conducted among 94% of pregnant and parenting AAAs from an alternative school in a large midwestern city in the US, in 1992-93. This study focused only on the 53 who indicated both parents were supportive or problematic influences (26% of 204 interviewed). Psychosocial well-being was measured by a 13-item depression scale (Derogatis, 1983). The Social Support Network Questionnaire (SSNQ) was used to assess the sources, types, and intensity of negative interactions. SSNQ was used to measure emotional support, tangible assistance, cognitive guidance, positive feedback, and social participation. Summary variables indicated the extent of support or problems by mothers and fathers. Maternal support was negatively associated with depression. 40% of the variance in depression was accounted for by 6 factors: age, pregnancy status, paternal or maternal support, and paternal or maternal problems. Findings suggest that high paternal support may negate the negative effects of paternal problems, and paternal relationships may have different associations with mental health than maternal relationships. Fathers provided less support than mothers. But both mothers and fathers were equally problematic. Pregnant adolescents reported higher levels of depression than parenting adolescents. Caution is urged in interpreting findings.

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