Predictors of stress in adolescents: an exploratory study of pregnant and of parenting females

J Adolesc Res. 1993 Jul;8(3):326-47. doi: 10.1177/074355489383007.

Abstract

PIP: A study of 152 adolescents enrolled in school-based programs for pregnant and parenting youth in Colorado in 1987-88 found no differences in overall stress levels between these two groups; however, salient predictors of stressful life events for pregnant teens were not the same as those for teen mothers. The mean age of study subjects was 16.5 years (range 14-19 years); most were living with a parent rather than the child's father. The dependent variable, level of stress, was measured through use of an abbreviated Life Events Questionnaire. Independent variables were assessed through administration of the Inventory of Social Supportive Behaviors, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Adolescent Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences scale. Of the 5 sources of stress measured (family, accidents, autonomy, deviance, relocation, and distress), only stress related to accidents differed significantly between pregnant and parenting adolescents. For pregnant adolescents, self-esteem was the only significant predictor of the overall level of stress; among parents, the only significant predictor was objective social support. Among adolescents, self-esteem was associated with more frequent use of social support and coping strategies. For parenting adolescents, self-esteem was correlated with the frequency of use of social support, satisfaction resulting from such use, and frequent use of coping strategies. Overall, the independent variables of social support, self-esteem, coping, and age were stronger predictors of stress in pregnant than in parenting adolescent females. This finding suggests that parenting teens may have successfully negotiated the multiple transitions involved in this new stage of the life-cycle. An important implication of this study is the need to design separate counseling components of school-based programs for pregnant versus parenting adolescents rather than to use a single curriculum.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent*
  • Age Factors*
  • Ambulatory Care Facilities
  • Americas
  • Behavior
  • Counseling*
  • Demography
  • Developed Countries
  • Family Characteristics
  • Family Relations
  • Family*
  • Fertility
  • Health Planning
  • Illegitimacy*
  • Mothers
  • North America
  • Organization and Administration
  • Parents
  • Perception
  • Population Characteristics
  • Population Dynamics
  • Population*
  • Pregnancy in Adolescence*
  • Pregnancy*
  • Psychology
  • Research
  • School Health Services*
  • Self Concept*
  • Sexual Behavior
  • United States