de Anda, D. et al. (1992, January). Stress and coping among pregnant adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Research, 7 (1), 94-109.

OVERVIEW

The rate of teenage pregnancy in our country has been climbing steadily, stimulating concern in a number of areas, such as the increased medical complications for mother and child, lower educational and occupational achievement, higher divorce rates, greater potential for child abuse, and difficulty in successful completion of adolescent developmental tasks. Still, there is a paucity of research into the differential stresses plaguing the pregnant teen. Relevant research on the topic includes the following: a study by de Anda correlating interpersonal factors and stress, research by Colletta and Gregg finding that the best predictor of a teenage mother’s stress level is the quality of her social support, and a study by Barth and Schinke revealing that building relationships enables teen mothers to cope better with their situation.

AIM

This study broadens the research base of information on teen mothers. Specifically, this research addresses the degree of, sources of, and responses to stress experienced by teen mothers.

DESIGN

The study uses 120 pregnant (non-white, ethnically diverse) adolescents ranging in ages from 12 to 18, in the last two trimesters of pregnancy. Most were single and living with their mothers at the time of the study. They were given three tests: the Pregnant Adolescent and Adolescent Mother Stress Measure, the Sources of Stress Inventory, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.

FINDINGS

• Over one-third of the teens reported feeling very stressed often, and for about 20% of the teens, the episode lasts for one-half to a full day.
• The most frequent response to stress was dysphoria; the percentage of teens responding this way (76-80%) warrants concern that they are clinically mildly depressed.
• The largest stressors are personal worries or problems, followed by pregnancy and delivery, disagreement with parents, and the role conflict inherent in being treated as both a child and a parent. The individual who causes the most stress is the father of the unborn child.
• Coping behaviors are not used frequently. When used, they are generally non-destructive but also not effective in reducing strain.
• The high stress group reported a high frequency of specific responses to stress, experienced anger more often than sadness, and utilized all coping strategies more often than the lower stress group.

CONCLUSIONS

• In a typical week, 35% of the teens experience a high degree of stress, intensified by their own report that their coping strategies are relatively ineffective.
• It is worthwhile to consider whether these teens meet the criteria for clinical depression.
• Family members do not cause high levels of stress, except where there is role conflict and disagreement.
• Teenage mothers are ready for instruction in stress adjustment; they are already choosing non-destructive options and just need help in improving their own effectiveness.

CRITIQUE AND EVALUATION

The study was a single investigation utilizing self-report measures. Not only does this make it difficult to generalize the results to different populations but it also raises concern for high demand characteristics. Also, the non-white, ethnically diverse participants may not comprehensively reflect the entire population of pregnant teens.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. If these teens are clinically depressed, how should their families, communities, and the government respond?
2. What would be the probable outcome of declaring teen mothers as "unfit" parents? How would this affect the teenagers, grandparents, child, and society? Would this be a good thing to do? Explain.
3. What differences exist between pregnant teens and the normal population that makes the coping mechanisms of one group so ineffective?
4. How can youth workers do a better job equipping all teens to effectively deal with stress?

IMPLICATIONS

1. Any activity which would foster stronger familial relationships will enable teen mothers to meet the new demands placed upon them by their changing roles. This may include counseling, support groups, or sponsoring educational activities for the entire family.
2. Teaching problem solving, communication skills, and conflict resolution will strengthen the family.
3. Joint counseling programs for the teenage parents should be organized to assist in dealing with this stressful relationship.
4. This is not a short-term project. Those working in such situations need to prepare for long-term involvement with teenage mothers and their families.

Kimberly Murphy cCYS