Relationship Between Perceived Social Support and Maternal Functioning Among Adolescent Mothers: A Cross-Sectional Study

KOÇOĞLU F., AŞCI Ö., DEMİRGÖZ BAL M.

Journal of Child and Family Studies, cilt.34, sa.10, ss.2762-2769, 2025 (SSCI) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 34 Sayı: 10
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s10826-025-03160-6
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Child and Family Studies
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, ASSIA, International Bibliography of Social Sciences, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, Criminal Justice Abstracts, EBSCO Education Source, Education Abstracts, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, Social services abstracts, Sociological abstracts, Violence & Abuse Abstracts
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.2762-2769
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Adolescent mothers, Maternal function, Postpartum, Social support
  • Marmara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study aims to examine the association between perceived social support on maternal functioning among adolescent mothers. This cross-sectional study was conducted at eight family health centers in Turkey. A total of 114 adolescents between the 6th–10th week postpartum participated in this study. Data were collected using a descriptive information form, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Barkin Index of Maternal Function (BIMF). Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, independent samples t-test, and multiple linear regression analyses were used for data analysis. BIMF and MSPSS total scores showed a highly significant positive correlation (r = 0.726, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis controlling for socio-demographic variables revealed that perceived social support in adolescent mothers was an independent predictor of maternal functioning (β = 0.720, p < 0.001). Assessing adolescents’ social support resources and implementing interventions to improve them can significantly facilitate their adaptation to maternal functioning. Thus, young mothers can adapt to this period in a psychologically and emotionally healthy manner.