Teen mothering. Behaviors and interventions

Data are reviewed that support the hypothesis that many adolescents interact with their infants in ways that may increase the infant's risk of developmental delay. The negative, long-term consequences of adolescent child-bearing create an environment that also augments this risk. Early intervention programs developed to address such risks are reviewed regarding their focus and content. Research designs used to evaluate their effectiveness are critiqued. The confounding of treatment approach with the frequency of contacts is a major limitation preventing an adequate evaluation of results. However, it is emphasized that despite a diversity of approaches to treatment and a lack of understanding as to what is responsible for the changes, intervention programs have been successful in improving adolescent maternal-infant interactions and/or enhancing infant development.