The Timing of the First Birth and Changes in Personal Efficacy

• Published in: Journal of Marriage and the Family Vol. 45; no. 1; p. 47
• Main Authors: McLaughlin, Steven D, Micklin, Michael
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.02.1983
• Subjects: Adolescent Development; Age Differences; Birth; Comparative Analysis; Educational Background; Efficacy; Females; Locus of Control; Mothers; Socioeconomic Status

Hypothesized that a too early first birth has negative psychological consequences for the mother through a lowered sense of personal efficacy. Results indicated that having a first birth before age 19 reduces personal efficacy, regardless of original differences in personal efficacy, age, education,...