Journal article
Adolescent Mothers' Experiences Over Time
Family Relations, Vol.67(3), pp.428-443
2018
Abstract
Objective: To examine patterns and trajectories for Australian adolescent mothers as they transition into adulthood. Background: Adolescent mothers have diverse outcomes; some experience multiple negative outcomes for themselves and their children, and others prosper. Little is known about the experience over time for adolescent mothers and what factors affect their trajectories. Method: Three exemplar women's stories are presented as case studies, showcasing themes identified from in-depth interviews conducted with 10 women who gave birth as adolescents. Interviews were conducted at the time of infant birth, as well as 3months, 12months, and 5years later. Results: Two themes emerged that captured the nuanced experiences of these adolescent mothers: stability to chaos and I've grown, but I can't reach the stars. Stability in the areas of family, relationships, geography, and planning/routine were related to whether young women had sufficient resources to focus on their own growth. Conclusion: An adolescent mother's functioning is related to the extent to which she experiences stability across a number of key domains, which in turn act to limit or enable growth and development. Implications: Adolescent mothers are a heterogeneous group. Targeted assessments and interventions are needed that address disadvantage and promote stability. © 2018 by the National Council on Family Relations.
Details
- Title
- Adolescent Mothers' Experiences Over Time
- Authors
- Nicola Sheeran (Author) - Griffith UniversityLiz Jones (Author) - Griffith UniversityJennifer Rowe (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringHana McDonald (Author) - Griffith University
- Publication details
- Family Relations, Vol.67(3), pp.428-443
- Publisher
- Blackwell Publishing Inc.
- Date published
- 2018
- DOI
- 10.1111/fare.12312
- ISSN
- 0197-6664
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450798502621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
1 File views/ downloads
566 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Family Studies
- Social Work
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites