New aspects of being an adolescent mother: Comparison of psychosocial features between adult and adolescent mothers

Abstract

Objective: Becoming a mother during the adolescence can cause additional burdens and adversities which might put these individuals at higher risk for psychosocial disturbances. Several studies have reported higher depression rates and worse parenting skills for adolescent mothers but results are contradicting and limited. Methods: Case group consisted of 47 adolescent mothers; whereas 53 of their counterparts who became mothers in reproductive stage were included in control group. Both groups were evaluated using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Pharis Self-Confidence Scale (PSCS) and Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MTIBS). Results: Adolescent mothers were generally living with family elders (p=0.001), under-educated (p