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Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
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Teen Mothers' Mental Health
Lee SmithBattle1, Patricia Freed
1Lee SmithBattle is a Professor of Nursing, Saint Louis University School of Nursing, St. Louis, MO. The author can be reached via e-mail at smithli@slu.edu Patricia Freed is an Associate Professor of Nursing, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO.
MCN. the American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing
|October 17, 2015
Summary
Teen mothers experience significant psychological distress due to childhood adversities and parenting challenges. Integrating trauma-informed care in various settings can improve mental health outcomes for these mothers and their children.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Psychological distress is prevalent among teen mothers, often stemming from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and challenging parenting circumstances.
- Factors contributing to distress include chronic stress, cumulative disadvantage, and insufficient social support.
- Limited access to traditional mental healthcare poses a significant barrier for this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the prevalence, origins, and impact of psychological distress in teen mothers.
- To identify factors promoting mental health and resilience in teen mothers.
- To review interventions and propose alternative approaches for mental healthcare delivery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on psychological distress in teen mothers, its origins, impact, and existing interventions.
- Analysis of barriers to traditional mental healthcare access.
- Proposal for integrating strength-based and trauma-based principles into practice.
Main Results:
- High rates of psychological distress are linked to ACEs and the complexities of early parenting.
- Barriers to traditional mental healthcare are widespread and difficult to overcome.
- Few studies have tested interventions, highlighting a gap in evidence-based practices.
Conclusions:
- Nurses should screen pregnant and parenting teens for ACEs and psychological distress in healthcare, school, and home visiting settings.
- Implementing strength-based and trauma-informed care can enhance teen mothers' resilience and parenting capacity.
- These integrated approaches support the long-term health and development of both mothers and children.
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