Impact of Maternal Drug Use and Life Experiences on Preadolescent Children Born to Teenage Mothers.

Examined influence of maternal drug use and unconventional behavior on children's behavioral problems, cognitive functioning, and self-esteem for children aged eight and older born to teenage mothers. Findings from 581 mother-child dyads suggest that maternal attitudes and experiences as adolescent or young adult and current family structure had different consequences for home environments provided for girls and boys. (Author/NB)