Teenage parenting and child development: A literature review

Cognitive readiness and adolescent parenting.

“…Although the overall rate of teenage childbearing has not increased dramatically (Hayes, 1987;Vinovskis, 1981), the total proportion of births to women younger than 20 years has risen as a result of marked decreases in adult fertility rates. The adverse, long-term consequences associated with adolescent parenting have been extensively documented in the last decade, including significant educational loss, higher fertility rates, increased probability of single parenthood, and increased dependence on welfare assistance (Baldwin & Cain, 1980;Baskin, Umansky, & Sanders, 1987;Moore, Hofferth, Werthmeier, Waite, & Caldwell, 1981;Roosa, Fitzgerald, & Carson, 1982b;Vinovskis, 1981). Vinovskis (1981) suggested that the societal concerns about adolescent parenting are not related to the number of births to adolescent mothers per se, but to the fact that an increasing proportion of this population has chosen, despite their single parent status, to raise their offspring rather than to seek alternative placements.…”

“…Although the overall rate of teenage childbearing has not increased dramatically (Hayes, 1987; Vinovskis, 1981), the total proportion of births to women younger than 20 years has risen as a result of marked decreases in adult fertility rates. The adverse, long-term consequences associated with adolescent parenting have been extensively documented in the last decade, including significant educational loss, higher fertility rates, increased probability of single parenthood, and increased dependence on welfare assistance (Baldwin & Cain, 1980; Baskin, Umansky, & Sanders, 1987; Moore, Hofferth, Werthmeier, Waite, & Caldwell, 1981; Roosa, Fitzgerald, & Carson, 1982b; Vinovskis, 1981).…”

“…Vinovskis (1981) suggested that the societal concerns about adolescent parenting are not related to the number of births to adolescent mothers per se, but to the fact that an increasing proportion of this population has chosen, despite their single parent status, to raise their offspring rather than to seek alternative placements. Whereas in past decades, 90% of all single mothers relinquished their infants for adoption, more recently, nearly 90% of all single mothers have assumed responsibility for caring for their children (Roosa et al, 1982b). Early parenthood has critical implications for the children of young mothers, who often encounter more developmental problems than children of older parents (Baldwin & Cain, 1980; Broman, 1981; Furstenberg, 1976; Furstenberg, Brooks-Gunn, & Morgan, 1985; Oppel & Royston, 1971; Roosa, 1983).…”

“…From a research perspective, a review of the teenage parenting literature yields disparate conclusions concerning the preparedness of adolescent mothers and whether or not they are less equipped for parenting than adult mothers. Although numerous studies have suggested that young mothers possess imprecise knowledge about child development and hold negative attitudes about parenthood in general (DeLissovoy, 1973; Field, 1980; Jarrett, 1982; Roosa & Vaughan, 1984; Vukelich & Kliman, 1985), other research indicates that there are minimal differences in the cognitive readiness of adolescent and adult mothers (Gullo, 1987; Parks & Smeriglio, 1983; Roosa, 1983; Roosa et al, 1982b; Schilmoeller & Baranowski, 1985).…”

“…Whereas some studies assess maternal knowledge of child development (Gullo, 1987; Vukelich & Kliman, 1985), others examine attitudes toward the parenting role (DeLissovoy, 1973). Still others examine parenting knowledge and style (Parks & Smeriglio, 1983; Roosa et al, 1982b). Another possible reason for the disparity in research findings relates to the samples used, which have been idiosyncratic and generally small (Parks & Smeriglio, 1983; Schilmoeller & Baranowski, 1985).…”