Describes two studies of the factors that influence unmarried pregnant adolescents to choose adoption rather than parenthood. Study One examines the effect of perceived parental preference and vocational goals. Study Two examines the effect of perceived parental preference and attained vocational identity status. (FMW)

Daniel Patrick Moynihan looks back on the Moynihan Report of 30 years ago and describes the transformation of American society it heralded. As the number of nonmarital births rises among persons of all races, a change from social organization derived from the family is increasingly apparent. (SLD)

Argues that unwed mothers should receive their primary assistance from their own families when possible and from private group homes subsidized with public funds when family assistance is unavailable. The current system of cash entitlements for unwed mothers has been a colossal failure. (SLD)

Describes teaching a class called "Children and Books" to a group of pregnant and parenting high school students. Shows how using children's books taught these teen mothers about the value of reading to their own children and provided an opportunity for intense discussion addressing a wide range of personal issues. (SR)

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)

The second half of an examination of the school's role in preventing pregnancy among adolescents focuses on legal issues a local school board should consider in developing a policy for dealing with problems associated with adolescent sexuality. (MLF)

Looks at issues surrounding teenage pregnancy and describes different school-based approaches to sex education. Stresses that parental involvement is critical to the success of any effective program for reducing teenage pregnancy. (RWB)

Compared the self-esteem of adolescent mothers (N=37) to a control group to determine whether adolescent mothers felt there was a cause-effect relationship between their behavior and future consequences. Results indicated that adolescent unwed mothers exhibit low self-esteem and high external locus of control. (LLL)

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)

Explored economic complexities of grandmothers serving as child care providers for their children's offspring. Used longitudinal survey data of employed mothers (N=796) with children under age five. Found grandmothers provided majority of child care for employed mothers, especially if unmarried. Found complex negotiation of work and family roles…

A look back at the 1965 Moynihan report makes it apparent that the nation has experienced further social decline in the past three decades and that society is becoming inured to the trauma. It is encouraging that public discourse is beginning to acknowledge society's problems and look for solutions. (SLD)

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)

The Reading (Pennsylvania) School District, in conjunction with local youth and family services, has developed a program to address the needs of unwed mothers. Its goals are to reduce their dropout rate and to provide support services including child care, transportation, counseling, health care, and instruction in parenthood skills.(TE)

Examines the relationship of family structure, peer group affiliation, social class, and sex with five dependent variables concerned with attitudes toward dating values, marriage, romanticism, premarital pregnancy, and premarital sexual permissiveness among 85 rural, Black adolescent males and females. Findings suggest general community norms and…

Three measures (Demographic Data, Support System Questionnaires, Michigan Screening Profile of Parenting) compared 28 teen parents (mothers) in a special school program with 27 nonprogram teen parents. Program participants showed more independence; less isolation; more interest in activities, education and work; more realistic expectations of…