How adolescents cope with the problems of early motherhood

The purpose of this study was to measure the coping responses used by adolescent mothers (N = 64), to determine variables related to their choice of responses, and to examine the relationship between coping responses and emotional stress. Indepth interviews were used to measure the problems faced by adolescent mothers, their choice of coping response and the relationship between coping style and stress, support and personality characteristics (self-esteem and sense of control). The results showed that the adolescent mothers' major coping response was to ask others for assistance. This response was most common when the young mothers were faced with task-oriented problems. Interpersonal problems tended to elicit avoidance as a coping response, while conflicts with institutions elicited a range of responses. Direct action coping responses were related to higher self-esteem, more active support systems and lower levels of emotional stress. The results are interpreted to indicate the importance of support systems which help young mothers deal with their daily problems.