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Adolescent Motherhood, Depression, and Delinquency
D'Andre Walker1, Kristy Holtfreter1
1School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Arizona State University, 411 N. Central Avenue, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA.
Journal of Child and Family Studies
|February 12, 2026
Summary
Adolescent motherhood surprisingly reduced delinquency in a study of 6628 females. This finding challenges general strain theory, suggesting other factors like self-control influence juvenile crime.
Area of Science:
- Criminology
- Developmental Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- General Strain Theory (GST) posits strain increases delinquency.
- Adolescent motherhood is a significant life event potentially causing strain.
- Maladaptive coping, such as delinquency, is a common outcome of strain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between adolescent motherhood (strain) and delinquency (maladaptive coping).
- To test predictions of General Strain Theory in the context of adolescent females.
- To explore the role of self-control, self-esteem, and social support.
Main Methods:
- Tobit regression analyses were conducted.
- The study included 6628 adolescent females.
- Control variables for coping factors and crime correlates were included.
Main Results:
- A significant, negative effect of adolescent motherhood on delinquency was found.
- This negative association remained significant after controlling for other factors.
- Results contradicted GST predictions but supported theories linking low self-control, self-esteem, and social support to delinquency.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent motherhood may not be a direct precursor to delinquency as suggested by GST.
- Factors such as low self-control, low self-esteem, and social support appear more influential.
- Future research should incorporate measures of opportunity when testing GST.
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