Factors enhancing the success of adolescent mothers

Abstract

This study identifies and explores factors that enable adolescent mothers to become successful in education employment, and as parents. Qualitative and quantitative analyses are employed in an attempt to examine various aspects of the lives of adolescent mothers that enabled them to become successful in education, employment, and as parents. The emphasis is on the young mother's feelings and views. Direct quotations from the respondents themselves appear where appropriate.;The first part of the study utilized a twenty-five-question instrument titled: The Personal Resource Questionnaire. The researcher added fifteen additional questions covering demographic areas. Structured interviews covering the respondents' experiences with institutions that may have provided support were conducted.;A number of themes emerged from the analysis of the data. The findings clearly demonstrate that, with support, women who had their children as adolescents will often be able to be successful in education, employment, and in raising their children. Support from the adolescent mother's family and extended family is of primary importance. Additional findings indicate that formal support systems such as schools or community programs have a major impact on the adolescent mother. The findings also indicate the importance that professional helpers play in the young mother's life.