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Preoedipal fixation: Its contribution to pregnancy in early adolescence
Author(s) -
Bierman Babette R.,
Bierman Joseph S.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
infant mental health journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.693
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1097-0355
pISSN - 0163-9641
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0355(198521)6:1<45::aid-imhj2280060108>3.0.co;2-3
Subject(s) - pregnancy , fixation (population genetics) , developmental psychology , early pregnancy factor , psychology , medicine , population , gestation , biology , genetics , environmental health
The authors studied 50 girls, 15 years old and younger, to determine whether early problems in the relationship with their mothers are a significant component of their becoming pregnant. A pattern of deprivation and inconstancy was found, both in their early care by their teenage mothers and in the care that they were giving to their own infants. This pattern is consistent with Blos's theory that preoedipal fixation can contribute to early pregnancy. The girls' inconsistent care of their children, which perhaps is causing preoedipal fixations, may be laying the groundwork for the continuation of the adolescent pregnancy cycle.