From childhood adversity to adolescent motherhood: A cross-sectional study of trauma, partner age gaps, and parenting practices in the Dominican Republic

Abstract

Adolescent pregnancy is increasingly recognized as a consequence rather than a cause of disadvantage. However, limited research has examined specific adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) predicting early childbearing, partner characteristics, or whether parenting deficits persist as adolescent mothers mature. We examined relationships among ACEs, partner characteristics, and parenting practices in adolescent and adult mothers in the Dominican Republic.