Teenagers' Experiences of Pregnancy and the Parents' and Partners' Reactions: A Malaysian Perspective

• NCJ Number: 247954
• Journal: Journal of Family Violence Volume: 29 Issue: 4 Dated: May 2014 Pages: 465-472
• Author(s): Nor J. Saim; Mona Dufåker; Mehdi Ghazinour
• Date Published: May 2014
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study focuses on the experiences of unwed teenage mothers in Malaysia in respect to the reactions of their parents and the fathers of their babies and how the reactions from significant others influence these unwed teenage mothers.

Abstract

This study focuses on the experiences of unwed teenage mothers in Malaysia in respect to the reactions of their parents and the fathers of their babies and how the reactions from significant others influence these unwed teenage mothers. The investigation was based on content analysis of interviews with 17 unwed teenage mothers, aged 12 to 18 years, during their probation or placement in shelter houses. The results show that most unwed teenage mothers became pregnant as a result of rape or statutory rape, and thus were at risk of developing mental health problems. Three themes were developed: secrecy, repression, and rejection. Four additional themesfeeling detached, trapped, unworthy, and ambiguouswere developed to describe the teenagers' experiences of pregnancy. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.