The impact of early parenthood on mental health and role functioning in young adulthood

Citation

Currie, Madeleine (2012). The impact of early parenthood on mental health and role functioning in young adulthood. 2012 Add Health Users Conference. Bethesda, MD: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carolina Population Center.

Abstract

While existing research explores the effect of teen parenthood on later outcomes for teen parents and their children, little is known about what contribution early parenthood has on teens with depressive symptoms, or what impact early parenthood and depressive symptoms may have on role functioning in young adulthood. While previous literature suggests that parental depression can have a negative impact on family life, developmental pathways related to young adult functioning and social conditions promoting healthy young adult outcomes are not well-understood. Research questions addressed are: 1) What are the contributions of early first parenthood and depressive symptomatology on mental health and role functioning outcomes in young adulthood? 2) What social supports in adolescence and early adulthood moderate the effects of early first parenthood on young adult mental health and role functioning? We use data from Waves I, III, and IV of the Add Health survey, including the 8-pt CES-D questions common across the four waves of Add Health data to identify depressive symptomatology, and reports of live births in Wave III to identify the age of first parenthood among participants. To measure social supports, we draw on data on the emotional quality of participants’ relationships with family members, peers, and teachers, and participants’ use of public assistance. To measure functional outcomes, we use data on educational outcomes and employment.

URL

https://addhealth.cpc.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/docs/events/2012%20Add%20Health%20Users%20Conference%20Abstracts.pdf

Keyword(s)

Mental health

Reference Type

Conference proceeding

Book Title

2012 Add Health Users Conference

Author(s)

Currie, Madeleine

Year Published

2012

Publisher

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carolina Population Center

City of Publication

Bethesda, MD

Reference ID

6410