Absent fathers as providers: Race/ethnic differences in support for adolescent mothers

Constance M. Wiemann, Carolyn A. Agurcia, Vaughn I. Rickert, Abbey B. Berenson, Robert J. Volk

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

Race/ethnic differences in the prevalence of and characteristics associated with low support provided by fathers of babies born to pregnant adolescents were examined among 719 adolescent mothers who were interviewed postpartum. Low support was reported by 41.9% of African-American, 26.2% of Mexican-American, and 19.4% of Caucasian adolescent mothers. Across race/ethnic subgroups, fathers who provided limited support were characterized by chronic substance use, gang or police involvement, or partner-directed violence. Policies advocating universal father involvement without concomitant programs designed to address their many needs may ultimately be detrimental to the welfare of mother and child.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)617-634
Number of pages18
JournalChild and Adolescent Social Work Journal
Volume23
Issue number5-6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2006

Keywords

  • Adolescent fathers
  • Adolescent mothers
  • Adolescent pregnancy
  • Social support

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • General Social Sciences

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