| Abstract
Pregnancy and childrearing represents a source of
stress for teen mothers. Research indicates that the adolescent
approach their parenting role with additional problems
including depression. Parents’ depression is associated
with a negative impact on their children’s emotional,
behavioral, cognitive and social well being (Billings
& Moos, 1983). Investigators report the interaction
between a depress mother and her child is characterized
as insensitivity, unresponsive and hostile (Teti, Gelfand,
Messinger and Isabella, 1995). This is a risk factor for
the development of an insecure attachment. An insecure
attachment is a risk factor for depression and stress
in later life.
Adolescence is a time of transition between childhood
and adulthood. It is necessary that parents and caretakers
of adolescents be familiar with the psychosocial, cognitive
and physical changes during this time. Research with adolescent
have identified common events or situations related with
stress; trouble with classmates, trouble with parents
or family members, trouble with their couple, increased
arguments between parents and serious illness or injury
of family member. Adults should be aware on how these
risk factors affect the life of the adolescent and should
try to be sensitive with the adolescents when the stress
is imminent.
Adolescent pregnancy is a complex problem that affects
the complete family system and represents a time of stress
(Loyd, 2004). Research has established that 25% of adolescents
have a second child after their first childbirth (Jaskiewicz
y Mc Anarney, 1994). Even when the incidence of adolescent
pregnancy has lowered, the Center for Control of Infection
and Disease, (2003) indicate that the rates are still
high.
Upchurch and Mc Carthy (1990) indicate that adolescent
pregnancy brings a variety of psychosocial problems as
dropping out of school, poverty, divorce, single parenting
and subsequent pregnancy in some cases from successive
partners. All these situations are a source of stress
during a period in life that stress is part of normal
developmental processes and in the case of teen pregnancy
with different roles, which will include now pregnancy
and childrearing. Eister, Elizabeth and Lamb (1983) indicate
that during adolescence the individual is developing their
abstract thinking skills, which will provide them the
capability to manage different complex situation one of
them, the sensitivity to respond to their infant, they
are developing their resources to cope with stress. Parenthood
becomes another source of stress for the teenager.
Bowlby (1969) indicates the importance of the parent
response to their infant. The style of attachment develops
between the infant and the caregiver will determine if
the child will be comfortable seeking comfort from others,
secure to explore his surroundings and trust others. If
the child develops an insecure attachment, he will be
more detached and will not seek significant relationships
with others. Spieker and Bensley (1994) establish that
if the adolescent is unprepared to assume the parent role
and has poor parenting practice their infant can develop
an insecure attachment. Roberts, Gotlib and Kassel (1996)
indicate that an insecure attachment is a risk factor
for depression in adulthood.
Researchers found that adolescent approach their parenting
role with additional problems including depression (Deal
and Holt, 1998). Parents’ depression is associated
with a negative impact on their children’s emotional,
behavioral, cognitive and social well being (Billings
& Moos, 1983). The interaction between a depress mother
and her child is characterized as insensitivity, unresponsive
and hostile (Teti, Gelfand, Messinger and Isabella, 1995).
Depressed parents are in higher risk to relationship discord.
Parental discord is associated with behavioral and emotional
problems in children (Cummings & Davies, 1994). Feeling
unprepared and depress for this new role is a source of
stress for the young parents.
Research has established that the elements of communication,
interpersonal process and relationship satisfaction between
the couples are link to the quality of parenting (Cox
& Paley, 1997). The family functioning depends on
communication between its members and this element will
determine the connectedness of the nuclear family (Kirby,
2001). In a research by Lloyd (2004) she identify that
pregnant adolescent perceive poor communication between
them and their parents prior and during their pregnancy.
As have been established by different researcher and my
own experience working with pregnant adolescent there
is an identifiable cycle that can be identified.
Stresses on family of origin (unsecured
attachment)
Risk of depression in adulthood
Impact on children emotional well being
The challenge for the professional working with a pregnant
adolescent is how to balance the maturational demands
required to be a competent parent and the development
stage do to normal human development where the adolescent
can be identified. Is it possible for the professional
to accelerate the normal developmental process so that
the adolescent can effectively respond to the demands
of being a parent? The professional has to evaluate the
stress related to this demand by helping the adolescent
do a smooth transition.
References
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