This article reviews the literature on the relationship of partner support to outcomes for teenage mothers and their children. It discusses the changing alliance over time between men who father their babies and the young mothers and their children. This report considers both adults and adolescents who father children with adolescent women. The discussion focuses on the relationship between partner support and three outcomes for the mothers: educational outcomes, economic outcomes, and psychological well-being. The general association between partner support and the children's development is also examined. In addition, partner support is viewed within the context of the teenager's family system, providing a framework for assessing key features of support for teenage mothers. The article outlines suggestions for future research.
PIP: Each year in the US, 11% of all young women aged 15-19 years become pregnant. 50% of these women carry their pregnancy to term, becoming teenage mothers. Adolescent childbearing has serious ramifications for the teenager and her child. Supportive social relationships can, however, help young women to cope with the stresses of teenage motherhood. The authors review the literature on the relationship of partner support to outcomes for teenage mothers and their children. Both adults and adolescents who father children with female adolescents are considered. Focus is given upon the relationship between partner support and maternal educational and economic outcomes, as well as psychological well-being. The paper also examines the general association between partner support and child development. Partner support is viewed within the context of the teenager's family system, providing a framework for assessing key features of support for teen mothers. Suggestions for future research are offered.