PEDIATRICS Vol. 83 No. 5 May 1989, pp. 758-765
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Perceptions of Parenthood Among Adolescent Fathers

Arthur B. Elsters MD1, Michael E. Lamb PhD1, and Nancy Kimmerly BS1

1 The University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City, and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland

To investigate perceptions of parenthood among adolescent fathers, we studied three groups of first-time fathers: adolescent fathers with adolescent partners (n = 21), adult fathers with adolescent partners (n = 14), and adult fathers with adult partners (n = 55). Subjects were interviewed during the immediate postpartum period and then again 3 months later. Group differences were noted concerning items related to paternal involvement, sex stereotypic behaviors, and stress, but not concerning preparation for parenthood. Fathers' perceptions appeared to be influenced by both their ages and those of the mothers as well as an interaction between these two fathers (adult fathers with adolescent partners v adult fathers with adult partners). Our results suggest that fathers with adolescent partners may benefit from interventions designed to promote more active involvement in parenthood.

Key Words: adolescent • parenthood • father

Submitted on March 14, 1988
Accepted on May 26, 1988