NCJ Number
121508
Journal
Adolescence Volume: 14 Issue: 95 Dated: (Fall 1989) Pages: 505-521
Date Published
1989
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study investigated the decisions made by 175 unintentionally pregnant women, aged 14 to 22, in Southern California and North Central Texas, who intended to carry their pregnancies to term.
Abstract
Family environment was found to be associated with the level of negative emotion and postdelivery plans. A cohesive family which encourages independence, expressiveness, and intellectual-cultural orientation is related to less emotional distress. Age, stage of pregnancy, and family constellation also were related. Greater uncertainty was associated with living with both natural parents or with mother. Subjects choosing adoption tended to be older and were more likely to be white, and to perceive higher levels of expressiveness and independence in their families than those choosing to keep their child. The implications of these findings for the delivery of services and for future research in this area are discussed. 2 tables, 35 references. (Author abstract modified)