Sources of stress and support and maternal resources of homeless teenage mothers.
OBJECTIVE
Homeless families headed by young mothers are increasing. This preliminary study describes the characteristics of 17 homeless teenage mothers (HTM).


METHODS
HTMs completed questionnaires researching depression, self-esteem, maternal competence, and sources of stress and support.


RESULTS
HTMs had positive maternal competence and self-esteem scores. When compared to housed mothers, HTMs were younger, had more depressive symptoms and negative life events, and fewer social supports.


CONCLUSIONS
HTMs represent a high-risk group with fewer available supports and many complex life stressors. School-based programs can benefit HTMs by offering support, helping them continue their education, and assisting with on-site school-based childcare.
Meadows-Oliver
Mikki
M
Yale University School of Nursing, New Haven, CT, USA.
Sadler
Lois S
LS
Swartz
Martha K
MK
Ryan-Krause
Patricia
P
D000293:Adolescent; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009511:New England; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological