Parenting Stress Among Adolescent Mothers: An Integrative Literature Review

Infant carrying to enhance parental reflective functioning in early childhood: a model of direct and indirect pathways in a sample of adolescent mothers

Research on infant carrying/babywearing is limited but suggests that frequent close physical contact increases maternal sensitivity and responsiveness. It is unknown whether infant carrying promotes parental reflective functioning (PRF). In this prospective investigation, adolescent mothers (N=75; Mage=19.45; 57.4% non-white) in a multi-wave infant carrying intervention trial were followed from early postpartum to preschool to assess long-term impacts of infant carrying on the development of PRF. Participation in the infant carrying intervention (β=0.33, p=0.03) and maternal representation of infant carrying as supporting infant wellbeing (β=0.36, p<0.01) predicted higher PRF when children were 3.5 years old. There was a significant indirect effect from maternal representation of infant carrying as a bonding tool to enhanced PRF during the preschool period via maternal attunement at seven months (β=0.26, p=0.04). Participating in an infant carrying intervention and child-focused representations of infant carrying may support mentalizing among adolescent mothers via distinct direct and indirect pathways.

Efficacy of Parenting Education for Adolescent Parents and Impact on Child's Development: A Systematic Review

This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of parenting education for adolescent parents and its potential impact on their children's health and development. Only nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Results indicated that children of adolescent parents who received parenting education had better outcomes in academic achievement, emotional regulation, secure attachment styles, expressive language, and lower hospitalizations. Investing in parenting education may improve outcomes for children.

Parenting experiences and outcomes among former adolescent mothers: A mixed methods study

The purpose of this explanatory sequential mixed methods study was to examine parenting outcomes and experiences over time among marginalized adolescent mothers enrolled in randomized clinical trials (RCT) between 2002 and 2016 testing Minding the Baby® (MTB), an early home visiting program. The quantitative phase examined associations between measures of maternal experiences and parenting outcomes from 71 participants 2-8 years since RCT completion. MTB mothers reported less hostile parenting and fewer child behavior problems. The sequential qualitative phase involved interviews with a subsample (n = 31) and revealed six themes about their personal and parenting maturation. Through integration of quantitative and qualitative data, we generated metainferences, revealing a nuanced understanding of participants' experiences. Integrated findings revealed the complex personal and parenting experiences among former adolescent mothers during their developmental phases of emerging and early adulthood. Findings inform clinical and research approaches to promote personal growth and positive parenting outcomes over time among women who began childbearing in adolescence.

Experiences of postpartum mental health sequelae among black and biracial women during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to qualitatively examine coping mechanisms and desired supports in pregnant and birthing Black and Biracial adolescent and young adult women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Black and Biracial participants ages 16-23 were recruited for virtual individual semi-structured interviews. Participants (n = 25) were asked about pre- and post-natal experiences with the healthcare system, effects of the pandemic, and participants' experiences of or desires for ideal care within the healthcare system. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded for qualitative analysis using nVivo. Discussions around postpartum mental health evolved organically when asked about how participants were coping postpartum.

RESULTS

Nearly half the interviewees organically reported mental health symptoms consistent with postpartum depression (PPD) during questions regarding their postpartum experience. Of the 11 interviewees who reported mental health symptoms consistent with PPD, 2 were afraid to disclose their symptoms to a healthcare provider due to fear of child protective services involvement and their belief they would be treated unfairly because of their race.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians who care for Black and Biracial adolescent and young adult mothers must be particularly attuned to structural barriers for appropriate screening and treatment of postpartum depression. Expanding investigations of intersectional influences on young mothers' perinatal health and PPD are needed.

Barriers to Diagnosis of Postpartum Depression among Younger Black Mothers

Objective: The objective of this study was to qualitatively examine coping mechanisms and desired supports in pregnant and birthing Black and biracial adolescent and young adult women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Black and biracial participants ages 16-23 were recruited for virtual individual semi-structured interviews. Participants (n=25) were asked about pre- and post-natal experiences with the healthcare system, effects of the pandemic, and participants' experiences of or desires for ideal care within the healthcare system. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded for qualitative analysis using nVivo. Discussions around postpartum mental health evolved organically when asked about how participants were coping postpartum. Results: Nearly half the interviewees reported mental health symptoms consistent with postpartum depression (PPD). Of the 11 interviewees who reported mental health symptoms consistent with PPD, 2 were afraid to disclose their symptoms to a healthcare provider due to fear of child protective services involvement and their belief they would be treated unfairly because of their race. Conclusion: Clinicians who care for Black and biracial adolescent and young adult mothers must be particularly attuned to structural barriers for appropriate screening and treatment of postpartum depression. Expanding investigations of intersectional influences on young mothers' perinatal health and PPD are needed.