The authors report no conflict of interest or relevant financial relationships.
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Research
Black Adolescent Mothers’ Perspectives on Sex and Parenting in Nonmarital Relationships with the Biological Fathers of Their Children
Article first published online: 23 JAN 2012
DOI: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.2011.01324.x
© 2012 AWHONN, the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
Issue
Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing
Volume 41, Issue 1, pages 82–91, January/February 2012
Additional Information
How to Cite
Nelson, L. E., Morrison-Beedy, D., Kearney, M. H. and Dozier, A. (2012), Black Adolescent Mothers’ Perspectives on Sex and Parenting in Nonmarital Relationships with the Biological Fathers of Their Children. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing, 41: 82–91. doi: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.2011.01324.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 23 JAN 2012
- Article first published online: 23 JAN 2012
- Manuscript Accepted: SEP 2011
Funded by
- National Institute of Nursing Research grant. Grant Number: F31NR008964
- National Institute of Child Health & Human Development. Grant Number: 5R25HD045810
- University of Rochester Susan B. Anthony Institute for Gender and Women's Studies
- Frederick Douglas Institute for African and African-American Studies
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- adolescent health;
- teen parenting;
- teen pregnancy;
- focus groups;
- African American
ABSTRACT
Objective
To understand single Black adolescent mothers’ perspectives on the sexual and parenting-related aspects of their relationships with the biological fathers of their children.
Methods
The study was a qualitative description of perspectives from a convenience sample of Black single (nonmarried) adolescent mothers. Data were generated through focus groups and interviews. Participants were recruited using self-referral and health provider referrals.
Setting
The study was conducted in a county public health department sexually transmitted diseases clinic in Rochester, New York.
Participants
Single mothers (N = 31) ages 15 to 19 participated in the study. The mean age of participants was 17.5 years (SD = 1.4).
Findings
Four themes were identified that reflected the major characteristics of the relationships between the mothers and the biological fathers of their children: (a) You will always care about your “baby daddy” because of your child, (b) Negative behavior is tolerated to keep the family together, (c) The “baby daddy” can get sex as long as we are not on bad terms, and (d) He will always be part of our lives.
Conclusion
Black adolescent mothers have complex relationships with the biological fathers of their children that may include ongoing sexual activity. The intersection of coparenting and sexual health needs among adolescent mothers highlights the importance of integrating sexually transmitted infections prevention with perinatal health programs. It is important to consider this unique coparenting relationship when providing risk-reduction counseling to young mothers.