Parenthood and Motivation to Change in Homeless Older Adolescents

ABSTRACT

Parenthood among adolescents who are homeless is poorly studied. Understanding how these adolescents perceive parenthood is important for providing effective health care, public policy, and social services. Fifteen fathers and 16 mothers, ages 18 to 22, from a shelter in Philadelphia participated in semistructured interviews. Coding and analysis involved standard qualitative methodologies. Participants identified parenthood as an important turning point that produced motivation to change behaviors and life circumstances but noted multiple barriers to actualizing change including stigma, shame, and old patterns of behavior. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine ways to support these youth in actualizing change.

KEYWORDS:

• Adolescent parenthood
• homelessness
• motivation
• qualitative research

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful for the editorial support, guidance, and insight of Jennifer Culhane, Emily Zimbrick-Rogers, Nadia Dowshen, Kenisha Campbell, and Elyse Salek. The authors gratefully acknowledge the young parents who shared their time and life stories. This research is dedicated to these young people and their children.

The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense or the United States Government. Charles G. Zimbrick-Rogers is a military service member. This work was prepared as part of his official duties. Title 17 U.S.C. 105 provides that “Copyright protection under this title is not available for any work of the United States Government.” Title 17 U.S.C. 101 defines a United States Government work as a work prepared by a military service member or employee of the United States Government as part of that person’s official duties.