PSY FPX 7230 Assessment 3 Teenage Pregnancy

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 7230 Adolescent Psychology

Prof. Name

Date

Adolescent Pregnancy

Becoming a mother marks a significant transition in a woman’s life, signifying the acquisition of maternal skills, appropriate conduct, and a stable maternal identity. Adequate preparation for this role is vital for maternal adjustment and the smooth transition to adulthood. However, the increasing prevalence of adolescent pregnancy poses substantial global concerns (Mangeli et al., 2017).

Transitioning into motherhood requires readiness in physical, psychological, social, and cognitive aspects, areas where adolescent mothers often lack preparation. Balancing maternal responsibilities with the developmental tasks of adolescence exacerbates the challenges they encounter. Additionally, socio-economic disadvantages further complicate their journey into motherhood (Mangeli et al., 2017).

Teenage mothers face a multitude of challenges spanning physical, psychological, social, and spiritual realms. These challenges include the need for ongoing support and training, limited decision-making abilities, insufficient maternal skills, and the risk of pregnancy and childbirth complications (Mangeli et al., 2017).

Complications Arising from Adolescent Pregnancy

Adolescent pregnancy is linked with heightened risks such as low birth weight, premature birth, and infant mortality. While some attribute these outcomes to biological immaturity, others argue that socio-economic factors play a significant role (Restrepo-Méndez et al., 2011).

Moreover, teenagers are more prone to requiring cesarean sections due to incomplete pelvic development, leading to extended recovery periods and increased risks of anemia, which can subsequently impact birth outcomes and maternal mental well-being (Restrepo-Méndez et al., 2011).

Challenges Faced by Adolescent Mothers

The postpartum period presents additional challenges for adolescent mothers. Themes of feeling torn between two worlds, loneliness, and the dissonance between expectations and reality underscore their experiences (Devito, 2010).

Causes of Adolescent Pregnancy

Various factors contribute to adolescent pregnancy, including family structure, early engagement in sexual activity, personal aspirations, and experiences of sexual abuse. Adolescents in unstable family environments may seek intimacy outside the family, heightening their pregnancy risk (Domenico & Jones, 2007).

Prevention Strategies

Effective sexuality education can delay sexual initiation and dispel misconceptions surrounding sexuality. However, programs should engage youth in knowledge creation and address issues relevant to their lives rather than solely providing information (Boonstra, 2015).

Peer-led programs that integrate environmental influences and emphasize the unacceptability of adolescent pregnancy can empower adolescents to make healthier choices while enhancing their personal skills (Hendricks & Wood, 2017).

Conclusion

Adolescent pregnancy presents multifaceted challenges requiring comprehensive prevention and support approaches. Effective interventions should address socio-economic factors, provide holistic sexuality education, and empower adolescents to make informed decisions about their sexual health (Mangeli et al., 2017).

References

Boonstra, D. (2015). Advancing sexuality education in developing countries: Evidence and implications. In J Ponzetti Jr (Ed). Evidence-based approaches to sexuality education: A global perspective. London: Routledge.

Chandra-Mouli, V., Lane, C., & Wong, S. (2015). What does not work in adolescent sexual and reproductive health: a review of evidence on interventions commonly accepted as best practices. Global Health: Science and Practice, 3(3), 333-340.

Dangal, G. (2006). An update on teenage pregnancy. Internet Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 5(1).

Devito J. (2010). How adolescent mothers feel about becoming a parent. The Journal of Perinatal Education, 19(2), 25–34. doi:10.1624/105812410X495523

Domenico, D. M., & Jones, K. H. (2007). Adolescent pregnancy in America: Causes and responses. Journal for Vocational Special Needs Education, 30(1), 4-12.

PSY FPX 7230 Assessment 3 Teenage Pregnancy

Farber, N. (2003). Adolescent pregnancy: Policy and prevention services. New York: Springer.

Hendricks, F., & Wood, L. (2017). An alternative approach to a complex issue: Youth Designed strategies for the prevention of teenage pregnancy in schools. Perspectives in Education, 35(1), 40-53.

Mangeli, M., Rayyani, M., Cheraghi, M. A., & Tirgari, B. (2017). Exploring the challenges of adolescent mothers from their life experiences in the transition to motherhood: A qualitative study. Journal of Family & Reproductive Health, 11(3), 165–173.

Meade, C. S., & Ickovics, J. R. (2005). Systematic review of sexual risk among pregnant and mothering teens in the USA: Pregnancy as an opportunity for integrated prevention of STD and repeat pregnancy. Social Science & Medicine, 60, 661-678.

Restrepo-Méndez, M. C., Barros, A. J. D., Santos, I. S., Menezes, A. M. B., Matijasevich, A., Barros, F. C., & Victora, C. G. (2011). Childbearing during adolescence and offspring mortality: Findings from three population-based cohorts in southern Brazil. BMC Public Health, 11(1), 781-781. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-11-781

PSY FPX 7230 Assessment 3 Teenage Pregnancy

Taylor, D., & James, E. A. (2011). An evidence‐based guideline for unintended pregnancy prevention. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 40(6), 782-793.