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Sources of Stress and Support and Maternal Resources of Homeless Teenage Mothers
Author(s) -
MeadowsOliver Mikki,
Sadler Lois S.,
Swartz Martha K.,
RyanKrause Patricia
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of child and adolescent psychiatric nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.331
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1744-6171
pISSN - 1073-6077
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-6171.2007.00093.x
Subject(s) - stressor , competence (human resources) , social support , psychology , depressive symptoms , social competence , clinical psychology , developmental psychology , psychiatry , social psychology , anxiety , social change , political science , law
PROBLEM: Homeless families headed by young mothers are increasing. This preliminary study describes the characteristics of 17 homeless teenage mothers (HTM).METHODS: HTMs completed questionnaires researching depression, self‐esteem, maternal competence, and sources of stress and support.FINDINGS: HTMs had positive maternal competence and self‐esteem scores. When compared to housed mothers, HTMs were younger, had more depressive symptoms and negative life events, and fewer social supports.CONCLUSIONS: HTMs represent a high‐risk group with fewer available supports and many complex life stressors. School‐based programs can benefit HTMs by offering support, helping them continue their education, and assisting with on‐site school‐based childcare.