Adolescent mothers' perceptions of social support and the impact of parenting on their lives

Abstract

Purpose: To explore adolescent mothers' perceptions of social support and the effects of parenting on their lives.

Methodology: A descriptive survey design used a purposive sample of 78 adolescent mothers. The Adolescent Parent Perception Inventory (APPI) was completed by these mothers. Responses on closed-ended questions were analyzed by frequency distribution. Responses on open-ended questions were content analyzed.

Findings: The community services rated as very important to all respondents was medical care for the child, however, home visits by a nurse were seen as somewhat important to 40%. The responses "your mother" and "your child's father" were most often selected in the items on social support. The child's pediatrician was most highly rated for professional support. Open-ended responses to the impact on their lives reveal both positive and negative results.

Conclusions: More research is needed from the adolescent mother's perspective related to services and nursing roles in order to reconcile what the mother feels she needs with what she receives. Education is needed for fathers who are perceived as important sources of social support to the mothers. Nurses need to be able to support the growth opportunities provided by the new parent role of the adolescent.