ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews evidence that explores the impact of teen parenthood for youths from disadvantaged backgrounds as well as youths who begin life with more social and cultural resources. It explores alternative scenarios using the following hypothetical case study of Darcy. The chapter provides an overview of the normative transition from adolescence to adulthood. It considers the impact of teen parenthood on educational attainment, employment and financial status, romantic relationships, quality of parenting, and mental and physical well-being. The chapter reviews two additional studies that used person-centered approaches to understand consequences more generally in the lives of teen parents. In response to survey questions about the importance of accomplishing specific life events for attainment of adult status, the majority of both men and women included financial independence, completing education, working full-time, and ability to support a family. The evidence reviewed in the chapter leads to the conclusion that age at childbirth may alter the life pathways of some teens.
