PSY FPX 7230 Assessment 3 Teenage Pregnancy

PSY FPX 7230 Assessment 3 Teenage Pregnancy

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 7230 Adolescent Psychology

Prof. Name:

Date

Teenage Pregnancy

Becoming a mother is a significant milestone in a woman’s life, characterized by the development of maternal skills, appropriate behaviors, and a strong maternal identity. Proper preparation for this role is essential for maternal adjustment and the transition to adulthood. However, the increasing prevalence of teenage pregnancy raises considerable concerns worldwide (Mangeli et al., 2017).

Transitioning to motherhood requires physical, psychological, social, and cognitive readiness, areas where teenage mothers often find themselves unprepared. Balancing maternal responsibilities with the developmental tasks of adolescence intensifies the challenges they encounter. Additionally, socio-economic disadvantages further complicate their journey into motherhood (Mangeli et al., 2017).

Teen mothers face numerous challenges across physical, psychological, social, and spiritual domains. These challenges include the need for ongoing support and training, limited decision-making skills, inadequate maternal abilities, and an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth (Mangeli et al., 2017).

Adolescent Pregnancy Complications

Adolescent pregnancy is linked to heightened risks such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and infant mortality. While some attribute these outcomes to biological immaturity, others emphasize the significant role of socio-economic factors (Restrepo-Méndez et al., 2011).

Moreover, teenagers are more likely to require cesarean sections due to incomplete pelvic development, resulting in longer recovery times and increased risks of anemia, which can adversely affect both birth outcomes and maternal mental health (Restrepo-Méndez et al., 2011).

Challenges of Adolescent Motherhood

The postpartum period presents additional challenges for adolescent mothers. Feelings of being caught between two worlds, loneliness, and the gap between expectations and reality are common themes in their experiences (Devito, 2010).

Causes of Teenage Pregnancy

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

Best Practices in Prevention

Effective sexuality education can delay the onset of sexual activity and dispel myths surrounding sexuality. However, programs must engage youth in creating knowledge and addressing issues relevant to their lives rather than relying solely on the dissemination of information (Boonstra, 2015).

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

Conclusion

Teenage pregnancy presents complex challenges that require comprehensive approaches for prevention and support. Effective interventions should address socio-economic factors, provide holistic sexuality education, and empower adolescents to make informed decisions regarding 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.

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.

PSY FPX 7230 Assessment 3 Teenage Pregnancy

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

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