The Behavioral Risks and Life Circumstances of Adolescent Mothers Involved With Older Adult Partners

Abstract

The negative educational and financial impact of coupling with an older vs. similar-aged partner seems greater for those mothers who no longer reside with an adult authority figure. These adolescent mothers are also at greater risk of planned rapid repeated pregnancy. Given their limited educational attainment and family support, a subsequent pregnancy may place these young women at considerable financial and educational disadvantage.

The Role of Mental Health Factors, Behavioral Factors, and Past Experiences in the Prediction of Rapid Repeat Pregnancy in Adolescence

“…Recent data suggest that taking into consideration intention of pregnancy with regards to RRP may help in designing effective targeted interventions [18], though defining pregnancy intent is difficult and standardized measures of pregnancy intent are still in development [41]. Likewise, researchers have documented links between the desires of adolescent mothers in committed relationships [42] or with older partners [43] to want a second child. By incorporating variables that assesses boyfriend or partner influence to survey instruments used with pregnant or parenting teens, researchers may gain a better understanding as to the decision-making process in the relationship.…”

The Male Sexual Partners of Adult Versus Teen Women With Sexually Transmitted Infections

“…Age difference is a surrogate for power differences and influence in the relationship, as age discordant couples have differences in maturity, sexual and life experiences, financial resources, education and work attainment (27–29). We chose a 25% difference in age because this correlates with a 16 year old girl partnered with a 20 year old man, which meets one definition of statutory rape in Texas (30).…”

Urban Heterosexual Couples’ Sexual Scripts for Three Shared Sexual Experiences

“…In contrast, couples with a greater male-to-female age differential displayed greater adherence to traditional gender roles. Research with adolescents and young adults suggests that being involved in a sexual relationship with a greater male-to-female age differential increases the likelihood that women will experience negative sexual consequences (e.g., STIs, unplanned pregnancy, abuse), particularly among women who are involved in a relationship characterized by traditional gender roles (Agurcia et al 2001;Darroch et al 1999;Ford and Lepkowski 2004;Gowen et al 2004). At an individual-level, our study provides evidence for the importance of better understanding the influence of race on sexual scripts.…”