Abstract

PIRES, Raquel; PEREIRA, Joana; PEDROSA, Anabela Araújo  and  CANAVARRO, Maria Cristina. Adolescent Motherhood: Choice, Acceptance or Resignation?. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2013, vol.14, n.2, pp.339-347. ISSN 1645-0086.

The current study aimed to describe the relational and reproductive contexts in which adolescent pregnancy occurs and the decisional process underlying its continuation; we also aimed to explore whether there were significant differences in these processes according to adolescents’ place of residence. The sample was collected at 42 Portuguese health services and consisted of a national representative group of pregnant adolescents (N = 475). Our results showed several differences between country areas regarding the contexts in which pregnancy occurred. Specifically, significant differences were found regarding partners’ age, relationship length, pregnancy/abortion history, and contraceptive behaviors that lead to pregnancy. Individual and regional differences were also found regarding the decision-making process; different circumstances, decisions and motivations lead to motherhood among the adolescents of our sample, namely according to their place of residence. These results may enable us to prevent adolescent pregnancy more effectively and to better support adolescents in their reproductive decisions.

Keywords : Adolescent motherhood; individual and regional differences; reproductive decisions.

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