Parent-child interaction among Latina adolescent mothers: The role of family and social support

This study examined family and social support correlates of parent-child in teraction among Latina adolescent mothers. Mothers (N = 49) were videotaped in their homes interacting with their children (M age = 13 months) and int erviewed regarding their social support. Consistent with existing models of the influence of social support on parenting, mothers who reported greater overall social support were more expressive across three observation tasks and more sensitive during unstructured play. In contrast, specific aspects of support (i.e., extent of support from grandmothers, child care support from partners and grandmothers), were negatively related to sensitivity dur ing unstructured play. Results also indicated that the correlates of parent -child interactions varied across tasks. Findings are discussed in light of normative developmental issues, the participants' cultural background, and their fit with existing models.