Faculty Publications

Objective and Self-Perceived Resources as Predictors of Depression Among Urban and Non-Urban Adolescent Mothers

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Adolescent parenthood, Depression, Perceptions, Urban, Rural

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Journal of Youth and Adolescence

Volume

35

First Page

833

Last Page

841

Abstract

Pregnant and parenting adolescents often cope with a lack of resources as they struggle to negotiate the tasks of motherhood and adolescence. Previous research has determined that young mothers have an increased rate of depression when compared to older mothers. In this study, self-perceived resource adequacy, education, income, age, and environment (urban vs. non-urban) were investigated as predictors of depression at approximately 14 and 36 months after birth in adolescent mothers (N=523). Self-perceived resources accounted for significant variance in depression at 14 and 36 months while controlling for education and income. However, education and income were not significant predictors while controlling for self-perceived resources. Age and environment did not predict depression. Researchers would be wise to focus on a young woman’s view of her situation, as it appears that self-perceived resources play an important role in predicting depression.

Department

Department of Family, Aging, and Counseling

Original Publication Date

10-1-2006

DOI of published version

10.1007/s10964-006-9108-8

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