Strengths and self-perceptions of parenting in adolescent mothers.
Traditional views of adolescent mothers perpetuate negative stereotypes and fail to acknowledge many who cope adequately and provide good care for their children. A qualitative descriptive design was used in this study to explore the strengths and positive attributes within this group to enlarge our understanding of the adolescent motherhood experience. Results indicated a surprising level of fortitude and commitment to children and a desire to optimize financial security through hard work and further education. Unexpectedly, these mothers described having children as a positive force that helped them change their lives from self-destructive past toward more productive and hopeful futures. Although further research is needed, these results indicate that adolescent mothers as a group are more heterogeneous than previously described.
Metro Denver Provider Network, Lakewood, CO.
J D
JD
Arenson
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009042:Motivation; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D013240:Stereotyping