The Psychological Effects of the Ecological Network on African American Adolescents' Pregnancy Behavior
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Authors
Baumbach, Sarah
Issue Date
2007
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Research on the pregnancy tendencies and sexual behaviors of African-American female
adolescents, 14-18 years of age reveals patterns and influences that lead to these
behaviors and repeat pregnancies within a year. African-American female adolescents
are a part of a unique family structure and community. The people within this structure
include immediate and extended family members, peers, and community, all of whom
play a unique role in their behavior and choices. All relationships with the people in their
lives are intertwined and affect each other, allowing substantial influence on the
adolescent's decisions. The examination of the complex and dynamic system of
relationships involved in the lives of these adolescents is essential in prevention of
continuing pregnancy before financial and emotional preparation. The proposed study
will include 100 African American adolescents, ages 14-18, living in a lower
socioeconomic neighborhood. Each participant will begin the study immediately after
giving birth to their first child. Participation will include a total of four in depth
interviews as well as further surveys and follow up questionnaires. After analysis of
results thus far in the study, it appears that the context of neighborhood and social norms
of peers plays a large role in adolescents own pregnancy behaviors. Parental support,
psychological health, and access to health and educational resources are all essential in
preventing and understanding adolescent pregnancy among African American
adolescents living in lower socioeconomic neighborhoods.
Description
v, 48 p.
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