Pregnancy resolution decisions in juvenile detention
Anderson, N.L.
Archives of Psychiatric Nursing 4(5): 325-331
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0883-9417 PMID: 2260892 DOI: 10.1016/0883-9417(90)90052-mDocument Number: 380771
15 detained pregnant adolescents and 15 expectant teenage fathers were interviewed and observed in a study of qualitative research design to shed light upon how adolescents living in a large metropolitan area juvenile detention facility make health- and pregnancy-related decisions, and to determine the relative influence of prior health/pregnancy beliefs and the detention experience upon pregnancy resolution decisions. The participants were of mean age 16 years, with the expectant mothers aged 13-18 years and the expectant fathers aged 16-18. 40% in each expectant parent group were Black and 14% White. 33% of the pregnant teens and 20% of the expectant fathers were Hispanic. A mixed ethnic background was claimed by 14% of the expectant mothers and 28% of the expectant fathers. 12 mothers and 12 fathers retained the pregnancy and kept the baby. None of the adolescents chose formal adoption. Their decisions were made either with or by the partner/other, based upon beliefs/desires initially generated during socialization activities within the family and/or cultural group, made alone, or made on the basis of influences or situations associated with detention. The decision was influenced by the detention experience in only three cases. Responsibility, reputation, and respect were central themes linked to the important relationships in the teens' lives. The author notes that the participants demonstrated strengths and resolutions for the future which psychiatric and liaison nurses working in the setting can use in program planning and clinical interventions.