Fathers of infants born to adolescent mothers: a comparison with non-parenting male peers and adolescent mothers

This study examined social-emotional variables and parenting views of fathers of infants born to adolescent mothers. A convenience sample consisted of 15 fathers of infants born to adolescent mothers, 15 age-matched non-parenting male peers, and 15 adolescent mothers. Both quantitative and qualitative measures were used. Although results showed significant differences between fathers and peers and between fathers and adolescent mothers, the fathers and adolescent mothers were more alike than the fathers and peers. Although the majority of fathers and peers view parenthood as increased responsibility, fathers have lower social-emotional well-being than peers. Adolescent mothers reported that parenthood made them more mature. Implications are discussed. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.