Date of Award
Summer 1987
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Brown, Ardene J.
Second Advisor
Hennessey, Jean
Third Advisor
O'Brien Maureen
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to increase the understanding of the concerns of adolescents who are pregnant. Thirty adolescents, all of whom were pregnant, were studied during the second or third trimester of their pregnancy. Nine were between 14 and 16 years of age and 21 were between 17 and 19 years of age. The focus was on concerns regarding body image, relationships, responsibilities of adulthood, infant's future and professional support. To quantify the level of concern, subjects completed a 39 item Likert scale. Selected items of the "Parental Concerns Scale: Infants with Health Problems", and items developed by the researcher (Olson concerns scale) were included along with open-ended questions and demographic information. Subjects also completed the "Culture-Free Self-Esteem Inventory". Subjects expressed the most intense concerns regarding their infant's future and the impending responsibilities of adulthood. Professional support was viewed as a major concern of middle adolescents but not early adolescents. The body changes of pregnancy were of high concern to both age groups. It was found that relationships were of least concern to both age groups.
Recommended Citation
Olson, Christine Krystek, "Concerns of Single Pregnant Adolescents" (1987). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 3740.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/3740