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
Copyright Date
1998
Language
en
Proquest ID
AAI9826578
File Format
application/pdf
File Size
108 pages
Recommended Citation
Thompson, Stacy Dawn, "The fathers of infants born to adolescent mothers: a comparison with non-parenting male peers and adolescent mothers " (1998). Retrospective Theses and Dissertations. 11817.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/rtd/11817
Included in
Developmental Psychology Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Personality and Social Contexts Commons, Social Psychology Commons, Social Psychology and Interaction Commons