Degree Type

Dissertation

Date of Award

1998

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Human Development and Family Studies

First Advisor

Sedahlia Jasper Crase

Abstract

This study examined social-emotional variables and views of parenting of fathers of infants born to adolescent mothers. Participants were a convenience sample of 15 fathers of infants born to adolescent mothers, 15 age-matched non-parenting male peers, and 15 adolescent mothers. Data collected included demographic information, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, social support, parenting satisfaction, and general life satisfaction. Additionally, a semi-structured interview that focused on the subjects' views about parenting was conducted. Results showed significant differences between fathers and non-fathers and between fathers and adolescent mothers. Fathers reported less support from friends and the community, lower general life satisfaction, and lower self-esteem than the non-parenting male peers. Fathers reported lower general life satisfaction than the adolescent mothers. Results from interviews indicated that the majority of the fathers and non-fathers view parenthood as increased responsibility whereas the adolescent mothers reported that parenthood made them more mature and kept them out of trouble. Overall, the majority of fathers reported enjoying their children though results suggested that their level of emotional well-being is lower than that of the non-parenting male peers.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31274/rtd-180813-10742

Publisher

Digital Repository @ Iowa State University, http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/

Copyright Owner

Stacy Dawn Thompson

Language

en

Proquest ID

AAI9826578

File Format

application/pdf

File Size

108 pages

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