#  Publication: Breaking the Cycle - How Maternal Adversity Shapes Parenting Among Adolescent Mothers in Brazil 

 





May 12, 2026

 

 

 [ Anushka Patel ](/people/anushka-patel-phd) 

This publication explores how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and intimate partner violence (IPV) shape parenting behaviors among adolescent mothers in Brazil. Drawing on data from 237 mothers aged 14-19 in southern Brazil's public primary care network, the study finds that higher ACE scores were significantly associated with coercive parenting and physical harsh discipline - even after accounting for IPV and sociodemographic factors. Notably, early childhood adversity emerged as a more fundamental driver of parenting risk than current violence exposure alone. These findings make a compelling case for trauma-informed parenting interventions in low- and middle-income countries that address maternal childhood adversity at its root. Read the full article to explore how cumulative risk frameworks can guide prevention strategies that protect both young mothers and the next generation.



 

 

 

 [ Read the Full Article Here arrow\_circle\_right ](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0145213426002012) 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

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