| Title | The impact of physical maltreatment history on the adolescent mother-infant relationship: mediating and moderating effects during the transition to early parenthood. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2004 |
| Authors | Milan, Stephanie, Jessica Lewis, Kathleen Ethier, Trace Kershaw, and Jeannette R. Ickovics |
| Journal | Journal of abnormal child psychology |
| Volume | 32 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pagination | 249-61 |
| Date Published | 2004 Jun |
| ISSN | 0091-0627 |
| Keywords | Adolescent, Child, Child Abuse, Female, Humans, Maternal Age, Mother-Child Relations, Object Attachment, Parenting, Pregnancy, Pregnancy in Adolescence, Questionnaires, Social Support |
| Abstract | Using attachment theory as a framework, this paper examines how pregnant adolescents' experiences of physical maltreatment during childhood influence the subsequent mother-infant relationship in 203 low-income adolescents followed from the 3rd trimester of pregnancy through the 1st year of parenthood. The relation between physical maltreatment history and early difficulty in the mother-infant relationship was mediated by adolescents' evaluations of the relationship with their primary caretaker and the feelings they associated with motherhood measured prior to childbirth. In addition, a supportive romantic relationship during pregnancy acted as a protective factor by moderating the impact of maltreatment history on the quality of the subsequent mother-infant relationship. Findings support the importance of assessments and interventions that consider the social context and relational history of pregnant and parenting adolescents. |
| DOI | 10.1007/s10995-010-0650-3 |
| Alternate Journal | J Abnorm Child Psychol |
