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Teen pregnancy and maladjustment: A study of base rates
Author(s) -
Thomas Elizabeth A.,
Rickel Annette U.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.585
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1520-6629
pISSN - 0090-4392
DOI - 10.1002/1520-6629(199507)23:3<200::aid-jcop2290230304>3.0.co;2-b
Subject(s) - psychology , developmental psychology , psychological intervention , harm , competence (human resources) , teenage pregnancy , motivational interviewing , clinical psychology , medicine , social psychology , psychiatry , population , environmental health
The present investigation determines base rates for maladjustment by interviewing pregnant/parenting teenage mothers as well as nonpregnanthon‐ parenting teenage girls in public schools. A total of 420 participants were involved in the studies. The results indicate that pregnant/parenting teens experience significantly more maladjustment than their nonpregnanthon‐ parenting counterparts and that these groups also differ significantly on maternal competence. Specifically, pregnantlparenting teens reported more flexibility and practicality when faced with the daily demands of childrear‐ ing. Yet, they were less likely to manipulate the environment in a positive manner to avoid child behaviors that might result in harm to the child or require disciplinary action. Findings will be discussed in light of their relevance for preventive interventions with pregnant/parenting teens that promote adjustment and parenting competence. Furthermore, preventive intervention strategies will be presented for adolescents who are engaging in high‐risk sexual behavior.