NCJ Number
117084
Date Published
1987
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This review of the sparse number of studies of teenage fathers addresses demographics, psychological factors, and paternal involvement.
Abstract
Generally, the research on teenage fathers is not useful, since it is rife with methodological flaws, notably the use of biased samples that have few young men. Demographic studies, however, do profile the adolescent father. The sexual activity of teenage fathers begins earlier and is more varied than that of teenage mothers. The risk of adolescent fatherhood is greater among black and Hispanic youths than among other groups of young men because of the higher incidence of sexual intercourse and lower use of contraceptives among this group. Both adolescent fathers and mothers have substantially less education than their peers. Studies suggest that both teenage fathers and mothers are ill prepared for parenthood. They have unrealistic expectations of child development and a general lack of knowledge and experience concerning children. They also tend to be impatient and abusive in their childrearing practices. Although at least half of teen fathers apparently distance themselves from the mother and child, a significant number are interested in and financially support their children. Recommendations focus on expanded research on teenage fathers and the development of services that address the needs and contributions of teen fathers. 36-item bibliography.