• 413-01 - Teen Moms’ Parenting Competence and Child Social-emotional Outcomes
  Presented by: Amy Guimond, Laudan Jahromi, Adriana Umana-Taylor, Kimberly Updegraff
• 413-02 - Does Support Change? The Transition From Teen Pregnancy to Raising Toddlers
  Presented by: Russell B. Toomey, Adriana J. Umaña-Taylor, Laudan B. Jahromi, Kimberly A. Updegraff
• 413-03 - Child Trauma Symptoms in Single Caregiver Homes: Effects of Parental Incarceration
  Presented by: Joyce Arditti

Abstracts

Teen Moms’ Parenting Competence and Child Social-emotional Outcomes

Presented by: Amy Guimond, Laudan Jahromi, Adriana Umana-Taylor, Kimberly Updegraff

This study examined the process by which parenting competency beliefs and behaviors of Mexican-origin adolescent mothers (N=191) promoted positive child social and emotional outcomes. Data consisted of home interviews of adolescents and observations of parenting behaviors.  Results were consistent with previous research suggesting that infant temperament predicts parenting beliefs and behaviors. Also, as expected, higher parenting responsivity predicted lower child internalizing behaviors. Finally, both parenting competency beliefs and behaviors positively predicted child interactive peer play. Findings from the current work have important intervention implications for improving child outcomes of children born to teenage mothers via mothers' parenting competencies.

Does Support Change? The Transition From Teen Pregnancy to Raising Toddlers

Presented by: Russell B. Toomey, Adriana J. Umaña-Taylor, Laudan B. Jahromi, Kimberly A. Updegraff

Social support, particularly from mothers, can buffer risks and promote well-being for adolescent mothers. To date, no longitudinal research investigates how support changes during the transition from pregnancy to parenthood. This study examined stability and change in dimensions of social support from the third trimester of pregnancy to 2 years post-partum among 204 dyads of Mexican-origin adolescent mothers and their mother figures. Perceptions of social support shifted from a single dimension to three conceptually distinct factors for adolescent mothers during this transition; however, social support reported by mother figures remained stable. Implications for future research and practice will be discussed.

Child Trauma Symptoms in Single Caregiver Homes: Effects of Parental Incarceration

Presented by: Joyce Arditti

In thinking about parental incarceration and children, child trauma is important due to its connection to child behavior and health problems. Analyses from 60 single-caregiver families, half of whom have experienced parental incarceration, suggest that parental incarceration is a context for child trauma in single-caregiver homes. Children and parents impacted by parental incarceration report more trauma symptoms; children’s visitation difficulties are also linked to trauma.