A Preliminary Examination of Family Environment and Social Support Among African American Nongrandmothers,Grandmothers,and Grandmothers-to-Be

Abstract

The present study examined the impact of teenage pregnancy on the family system by investigating differences in perceptions of the family environment, role satisfaction, social support, and psychological symptoms among African American mothers whose teenager was never pregnant, pregnant, or already a mother The Family Environment Scale, the Symptom Check-List-90-Revised, and a structured interview were used to assess study variables. Forty-two mothers of teenagers, whose ages ranged from 29 to 60, served as participants and were identified as belonging to the nongrandmother, grandmother, or grandmother-to-be groups. The results indicate thatnongrandmothers reported a more positive family environment and less satisfaction with the role of grandmother than grandmothers and grandmothers-to-be. These results were discussed in light of the life transitions that the mothers of teenagers make when they become a grandmother

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