Precocious fathers

Durations of adolescent sexual relationships before and after conception

PURPOSE

To explore durations of young couples' relationships between meeting and first intercourse, before first conception and for two years following conception and the associations between these durations; to describe the association between these durations and the young women's perceptions of the nature of these relationships.

METHODS

Three hundred and seven adolescent women were enrolled in a prospective study while presenting for pregnancy tests (the index event); they were followed for two years in three groups--those with negative tests, those who terminated the pregnancy and those who bore a child. Retrospective information about durations of relationships with first partners and partners at the index event was obtained at baseline; follow-up data was obtained on continuing relationships with the index partner.

RESULTS

Durations of relationships between adolescent females and their partners in this sample, both before and after conception, are rarely brief; the median duration of a girl's prior relationship with a partner with whom she conceives is almost two years. Similarly, almost half of the sample is still in a relationship at two years following the index event, a proportion that rises to two-thirds among those who bore a child together.

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to common belief or practice, there may be sufficient time and commitment to include many male partners in intervention programs before, and in parenting programs after, a first conception--a practice which could have positive implications for both adolescent partners and, potentially, for their child.

The sexual and contraceptive socialization of black adolescent males (black adolescent sexuality)

The major source, quantity, and quality of sex and contraceptive information African-American males received as teenagers, and the impact of that information on sexual and contraceptive behavior, were examined among 250 males ranging in age from 12 to 70 years. Mothers were the major sources of sex and birth control information for the adolescent, young adult, and middle adult groups. Fathers and male friends were the second sources most indicated. All of the sample received sex information, and only a small proportion received no birth control information. The amount of sex information received was found to be a significant predictor (P = 0.0018) of the age at first intercourse and the regularity of use of birth control after that. The amount of birth control information received was also a significant predictor (P = 0.0093) of the regularity of use of birth control after the first coitus. Because parents influence their children's behavior through a socialization process, their support of their teenage sons in matters of sexuality and contraception may be of potential value in mitigating the effects of early, unprotected sex.

Selected psychosocial characteristics of black unwed adolescent fathers

Adolescent fathers and nonfathers were compared as to their belief in a sense of personal control and responsibility for their own lives (locus of control); ability to optimistically trust others (interpersonal trust); taking an active orientation to life's demands and problems (coping style); and family/generational pattern of unwed parenthood. Participants were 24 unwed adolescent fathers and 27 unwed adolescent nonfathers, aged 15-19 years. Each participant completed a questionnaire containing a Rotter Internal-External Locus of Control Scale, the Rotter Interpersonal Trust Scale, the Behavioral Attributes of Psychosocial Competence, and a scale measuring family pattern of unwed parenthood. Results suggest that adolescent fathers are usually older, more likely to have been born out-of-wedlock, and less trusting than nonfathers. The implications for casework with adolescent fathers are discussed.

Family backgrounds of gay fathers: a descriptive study

This study assessed data on the early family backgrounds of gay fathers with particular emphasis on parent-son relationships. Questionnaire responses from 30 gay fathers, derived from a larger nationwide study of 285 homosexual men from dignity chapters in the Northeastern, Midwestern, Southern, Southwestern, and Western United States were analyzed using chi-squared test of independence. Respondents reported growing up in intact homes where heterosexual relationships were modeled for them, pleasant memories existed, and marital discord was not commonplace. Although relationships with mothers were perceived to be slightly better than those with fathers, both maternal and paternal parent-child relationships were described more as adequate and positive than inadequate or negative.

Adolescent pregnancy. Involvement of the male partner

The role played by the male partner in an adolescent pregnancy was investigated. Questionnaires were completed by the male partners of 41 adolescent females who continued their pregnancy to term and attended an optional education program. Most fathers (81%) maintained an ongoing relationship with the mother and informed their own family about the pregnancy. Only 48% helped with the decision regarding the outcome of the pregnancy. Only 19% saw a health care professional to discuss the pregnancy and only 9% received contraceptive information. Our data suggest that a significant number of these males suffered negative psychosocial consequences such as depression and increased social isolation. We believe that more effort should be made to identify those males interested in participating in their partner's pregnancy, encourage them to play a role in the decision-making process regarding the outcome of the pregnancy, and provide them with contraceptive counseling and psychologic support.

Locus of control and the use of contraception among unmarried black adolescent fathers and their controls: a preliminary report

This article presents preliminary data that examines the relationship between external locus of control and contraceptive use in a limited population of unmarried black adolescent fathers and their controls. Results reveal that black adolescent fathers are more likely to have an external locus of control, to not be church goers, and to not believe in the use of birth control. Policy implications of this research indicate that unmarried black adolescent fathers should be given birth control counseling; if other forms of counseling are warranted, attention should be paid to issues of locus of control.

Locus of control of unwed adolescent fathers versus adolescent nonfathers

20 unwed adolescent fathers ( M = 17.5 yr.) were matched by age with 20 nonfathers. Their responses to the Nowicki-Strickland scale suggest that adolescent fathers are not psychologically different in their ability to control outcomes in their lives than the controls.

Issues and problems related to the research on teenage fathers: a critical analysis

Although there are few research studies on adolescent fatherhood, recently sufficient investigations have occurred to merit a critical analysis. In general, research in this area is marred by certain methodological deficiencies. Research in adolescent pregnancy generally ignores the fathers involved, and data on teenage fathers are often inferred or confounded by the use of biased report techniques. Retrospective and post hoc analyses often render inaccurate conclusions, and sampling methods generate unrepresentative subject pools. This article will demonstrate the ways these issues contaminate knowledge about teenage fathers.