Adolescent Pregnancy and Sex Roles (From Teenage Pregnancy, P 77-89, 1987, Mary C. McClellan, ed. -- See NCJ-117071)

• NCJ Number: 117076
• Author(s): C J Ireson
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 13 pages
• Sale Source: Phi Delta Kappa
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Reprinted from Sex Roles, volume 11, number 3/4, August 1984.

Annotation

This study found that traditional sex-role orientation among young women was related to the occurrence of adolescent pregnancy.

Abstract

Sex-role orientation and related variables were measured by a questionnaire administered to 161 young women (aged 13 to 18 years) when they sought pregnancy tests or birth-control information at one of several clinics. Findings give some support for the study hypothesis that adolescents who get pregnant are more likely than other sexually active young women to have traditional sex-role orientation. Pregnant adolescents, compared with birth-control-seeking adolescents, perceived themselves to be competent in more highly sex-typed activities, had lower aspirations and school grades, and had less sense of personal control over events in their lives. Pregnant teens did not differ significantly from birth-control-seeking teens in sex-role values, and they were less likely to aspire to traditionally female occupations. Socioeconomic status was the strongest discriminator between pregnant teens and birth-control-seeking teens, with pregnant teens having lower socioeconomic status. Pregnant adolescents, compared with those experiencing negative pregnancy test, were younger and more likely to rely on religion to determine the course of their personal lives. 3 tables, 31 references. (Author abstract modified)