Cross-Generational Parenting Influences on Psychosocial Functioning of Adolescent Mothers in Substitute Care

This study examined the cross-generational influence of adolescent parenthood on psychosocial functioning with a random sample of adolescent mothers in state substitute care due to child abuse or neglect in their family of origin. Participants reported if their main parenting figure was an adolescent parent or not, their educational attainment, and their level of parenting stress. Participants whose main parenting figure was an adolescent parent reported significantly higher parenting stress and lower educational attainment than participants whose main parenting figure was not an adolescent parent. The two groups of adolescent mothers did not differ in their childbearing history or past substitute care experience. These findings highlight the need for research and interventions to address cross-generational influences on educational and parenting difficulties among teenage mothers in substitute care.