Hypothesizes that nonmarital fertility is more likely when children are seen as an important source of social capital. Data from the first two waves of the National Survey of Families and Households finds support for these views. Concludes that understanding increases in nonmarital fertility requires an appreciation of the social benefits that…

This publication examines in detail the problem of teenage pregnancy in South Carolina. Following the executive summary and a listing of eight recommendations based on the report, chapter 1 presents tables of selected vital statistics related to teen pregnancy in South Carolina. All statistics are shown by county and by Department of Health and…

Every year one million teenage girls become pregnant. Eight out of 10 are unintended pregnancies. Primarily targeting pregnant teenagers, this book address many of the different issues and decisions that a pregnant teenager must face. Letters supplement text to highlight feelings of pregnant teens and provide advice from friends, counselors, and…

Reviews literature on intervention programs for adolescent mothers. Focuses on specific goals: minimizing obstetrical complications, fostering positive parent-child interactions, reducing social isolation and maximizing support, and eliminating repeat out-of-wedlock pregnancies. Reports that all programs reviewed displayed moderate success, and…

Nonmarital intercourse among teenagers rose during the early 1970s. Biological, social, and psychological variables are associated with both early nonmarital coitus and contraceptive behaviors; effects of adolescent childbearing tend to be minor when appropriate statistical techniques are used to control for the impact of socioeconomic status and…

For the past several decades, the teenage birth rate in the United States has exceeded that of other industrialized nations. To explore the factors behind this high birth rate, this volume summarizes recent research conducted in the United States on the perceived causes of teenage childbearing. This review is organized around the events leading to…

Reviews the history and prevalence of teenage pregnancy and parenthood in the United States. Focuses on a somatic reaction called the Couvade Syndrome (CS) whereby expectant fathers experience the physical symptoms of their pregnant partners as it relates to teenage fathers. Notes that the effects of CS can be mitigated by school counselors. (KW)

Research on social services for pregnant teenagers should provide more information about these clients and their needs as well as the services available to them. Constructive suggestions can then be offered to influence public policy. (JAC)

Examines some of the key issues related to measuring social support and identifies 28 instruments which have been used in research with pregnant adolescents. Defines the major external and internal variables that affect social support and offers relevant questions to guide researchers in the selection of social support instruments. (RJM)

Rates of adolescent childbearing in the United States are two to ten times higher than in comparable industrialized democracies. Some programs and service options that show promise for reducing the incidence of adolescent pregnancy are identified in this paper. It begins by outlining 11 principles derived from available research and from program…

Reviews research on the changing patterns of childbearing among adolescents and the impact of premature parenthood on the life course of young mothers and their children. The evidence supports the need for more integration among services and the importance of increasing the availability of services to those in need. (Author/BJV)

This paper examines the needs of adolescent mothers and their infants and describes innovative programs designed to meet those needs. It discusses characteristics of adolescent mothers, including their educational level, their obstetric performance, their parenting practices, and the socioeconomic consequences of early parenthood. The paper then…

Reviews issues surrounding adoption as an option for resolving teen crisis pregnancies. Examines the decision-making processes and social psychological consequences of adoption as a distinct phenomenon, including adoption rates and characteristics, factors influencing the adoption decision, birth mother response to adoption placement, and social…

Asserts black teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases in South Africa are at threatening levels. Outlines selected consequences based on the assertion that teenage pregnancy is multi-causational. Hypothesizes teenage pregnancy needs reexamination in terms of the pheronomal climate's impact on prepuberial girls; and nature's way of…

Examines data surrounding issues related to educational attitudes and attainment and teenage pregnancy, nonmarital births, and child poverty. Addresses proximate and root causes of rising U.S. rates of teenage pregnancy, correlations between nonmarital births and educational and occupational expectations, and educational and economic consequences.…