The Mental Well-being of Adolescent Mothers Affected by Intimate Partner Violence: Challenging the Barriers of Gender Inequity

Danielle Washington

doi:10.25071/1929-8471.113

Authors

Danielle Washington York University https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6929-8070

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25071/1929-8471.113

Keywords:

adolescent mothers, Gender Inequity, gender transformative health promotion, intimate partner violence, Mental Health, postpartum

Abstract

Introduction: The postpartum period is considered a period of increased risk for intimate partner violence (IPV) for new mothers, specifically for adolescent women. Both the mother and her baby are at risk for poor health and mental health outcomes. Methods: Literature was reviewed focusing on the influence of IPV and the mental health effects on adolescent women, aged 10-19 years old, within their postpartum stage. ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Database, PubMed, Scholars Portal Journals, and APA PsycInfo were searched for studies published worldwide between 2010 – 2020. The key search terms were intimate partner violence, mental health, adolescent mothers, young mothers, pregnancy and postpartum. Findings: The effects of IPV on adolescent mothers’ mental health during the postpartum period included low parenting moral, sleeping difficulties, increased stress levels, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Gender inequality was identified as a primary risk factor for IPV. Gender roles influence the social decisions made by young adults, impacting their well-being. Discussion and Conclusion: Experiencing IPV during the postpartum phase contributes to negative mental health outcomes. It is important to confront unequal gender relations in early adolescence, with a focus on eliminating IPV and improving adolescent mothers’ mental well-being. Gender transformative health promotion interventions to challenge the barriers of gender inequity related to IPV are considered, with a focus on education and advocacy.

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