The father in the adolescent pregnancy at risk for child maltreatment. I. Helpmate or hinderance?

The Role of Fathers in Risk for Physical Child Abuse and Neglect: Possible Pathways and Unanswered Questions

“…Various studies have noted that younger fathers are particularly vulnerable to experiencing economic hardships because of their relatively lower educational status and the relatively fewer employment opportunities they face in comparison with older fathers (Bolton, 1987;Elster & Panzarine, 1983;Lamb & Elster, 1985;Rhein et al, 1997;Rivara, Sweeney, & Henderson, 1986;Samuels, Stockdale, & Crase, 1994). However, what has not yet been empirically documented is whether young fatherhood may in some ways interact with or potentiate the influence that financial insecurity plays in shaping future physical child abuse and neglect risk.…”

“…Adolescent fathers have also been reported to be inordinately involved in illicit activities and drug use (Bolton, 1987;Fagot, Pears, Capaldi, Crosby, & Leve, 1998;Larson, Hussey, Gillmore, & Gilchrist, 1996;Rhein et al, 1997) and to have difficulty in controlling their tempers (Bolton, 1987). As with depression, although maternal substance abuse and involvement in illicit activity have been linked with greater physical child abuse and neglect risk, future research can establish whether and to what degree such a link exists for young fathers as well.…”

Characteristics of Young Parents Investigated and Opened for Ongoing Services in Child Welfare

“…Bolton (1987) examined young fathers in relationships with young mothers considered to be at risk of child maltreatment and found that young fathers are more likely to be ethnic minorities, live in poverty, have completed less years of education, experienced barriers to employment and unstable financial support. Young fathers were also found to have alcohol and substance use issues, involvement with the criminal justice system, and difficultly controlling their temper.…”

Social Disadvantage and Family Violence: Neighborhood Effects on Attitudes about Intimate Partner Violence and Corporal Punishment

“…Researchers emphasize the importance of individual level characteristics such as age, race, income, education etc., and the interplay that these factors have on the prevalence of family violence and the pervasiveness of corporal punishment (Hussey et al 2006;Kolko 2002;Stiffman et al 2002;Straus 2001a). Additionally, scholars have determined that the presence of mental illness, substance use, and a history of abuse impact the incidence of family violence (Bolton 1987;Kolko 2002;Straus 2001a). Previous research has predominately centered on micro-level characteristics, and, as a result, policy implications have been geared toward individuals.…”