Adolescent mothers' depression after the birth of their babies: weathering the storm
Clemmens, D.A.
Adolescence 37(147): 551-565
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-8449 PMID: 12458692 Document Number: 254685
This phenomenological study explored the experiences of adolescent mothers with depression following the birth of their babies. A sample of 20 English-speaking participants, between the ages of 16 and 18, were asked to reflect upon and describe their thoughts, feelings, and perceptions about being depressed after the birth of their babies. Significant statements were extracted from each of the transcribed interviews and meanings formulated that reflected the intent of the statements. The meanings were organized into six theme clusters. A written, exhaustive description was reviewed by study participants for credibility and trustworthiness of the findings. The metaphor of being hit by a nor'easter storm emerged from the participants' descriptions of their experiences and was threaded throughout the description of the themes. Implications for practice and directions for future research are presented.