An exploration of future orientation in adolescents' decisions to continue or terminate a pregnancy

This study explores aspects of the future in adolescents' choices to continue or terminate pregnancy. Future orientation (FO) (e.g. Seginer, 2005) and reasons for pregnancy resolution were investigated using a researcher constructed and administered questionnaire. Three groups were included: termination of pregnancy (ToP) (n = 19), ante natal (AN) (n = 9), and never pregnant (NP) (n = 23). Participants were 13-18 years-old. Statistical and content analyses reveal groups differ in aspects of FO and reasons for pregnancy resolution choice. Future factors are shown to be important in teenagers' pregnancy resolution decisions. The impact of negative discourses about teenage pregnancy and parenting is discussed. Suggestions are made for conducting research that can advance understanding of this complex issue.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

ClinPsyD

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Hull

Year dc:date.issued

2008

Author dc:creator

• Bell, Emily R.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Glover, Lesley

• Clinical psychology

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

oai:hull-repository.worktribe.com:4208685

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:hull-repository.worktribe.com:4208685