Prevalence, course, and predictors of emotional distress in pregnant and parenting adolescents.
This study examines trajectories and correlates of emotional distress symptoms in pregnant adolescents (n = 203) and nulliparous adolescents (n = 188) from economically disadvantaged communities over an 18-month period. For both groups, the prevalence of significant emotional distress exceeded expectation based on adolescent norms; however, the severity of symptoms did not differ between the 2 groups. Results from growth curve modeling revealed a significant decline in symptoms during the study period for both groups, but pregnant adolescents experienced a different pattern of decline. Also, certain interpersonal factors (e.g., history of physical maltreatment, partner support) appeared to play a more important role in the emotional well-being of pregnant and parenting adolescents relative to nulliparous adolescents. Implications for early identification and intervention are discussed.
Milan
Stephanie
S
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. stephanie.milan@yale.edu
Ickovics
Jeannette R
JR
Kershaw
Trace
T
Lewis
Jessica
J
Meade
Christina
C
Ethier
Kathleen
K
D000293:Adolescent; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016487:Parenting; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000523:psychology*; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies