Relationship of perceived maternal acceptance-rejection in childhood and social support networks of pregnant adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the perception of maternal acceptance/rejection in childhood and the nature of supportive relationships perceived by at risk pregnant adolescents in the US. The sample was selected from pregnant adolescents who were determined to be at risk for child abuse and neglect or low birth weight or prematurity; the respondents were outpatients of the obstetrics and gynecology department of a large Rochester New York hospital. The 53 respondents were residents of inner city neighborhoods and had a mean age of 16 years. 78% were black 20% white and 1 Hispanic. 60% lived at home with parents. 40% received public assistance and 56% reported at least 1 parent employed. About 50% had a history of difficulties such as truancy suspension or expulsion. By the 3rd trimester 46% were not in school. Antecedent social problems revealed 15% child abuse or neglect 13% suicide 27% running away from home 13% psychiatric counseling 16% criminal probation and 24% residential placement. The Parental 24 Item Acceptance/Rejection Questionnaire (PARQ) was administered in the 3rd trimester and requested information about mothers or caretakers treatment when they were 7-12 years of age. 4 scales measured warmth and affection aggression and hostility indifference and neglect and undifferentiated rejection. 10 items measured acceptance and 14 measured rejection; in the discussion statistical reliability of measures is reported. A social support network measure was developed from a University of Rochester questionnaire. The research findings were that receiving warmth and acceptance in the early relationship with ones mother encourages similar behavior in relationship with others. Feeling rejected by ones caregiver tends to inhibit the formation of effective relationships with others in the social network. Perceived maternal acceptance during childhood was related to more social interaction with and higher expectations from social network members particularly the babys father and his family. It was not related to social interaction with mothers during pregnancy. The findings corroborate prior research and theory on the social isolation of pregnant teenagers from close supportive relationships. Public policy implications are that intervention strategies must help teenagers develop supportive relationships within their social networks.