Relationship Between Self Esteem & Teenage Pregnancy

More than 1 million adolescents become pregnant each year, but only 46 percent actually have the baby. The remainder of these pregnancies end in abortion, miscarriage or stillbirth. (See Reference 1)
According to the International Council for Self-Esteem, there is a close relationship between teenage pregnancy and self-esteem. (See Reference 2)

  1. Sexual Behavior

    • Teens with low self-esteem have an increased likelihood of engaging in irresponsible sexual behavior. Family Health International states that feelings of insecurity, self-doubt and fear can interfere with good reproductive health behavior.

    Love

    • It is a common perception that teen mothers often feel devalued and a lack of love. This can stem from parents who are unaffectionate or neglectful. Teenage mothers may think the baby is going to provide the unconditional love they desire.

    Economic Status

    • One factor that contributes to self-esteem among many teens is economic status. According to The Washington Post, not every teenage mother is poor, but bearing a child during the teenage years increases the chance the child and mother will live in poverty.

    Effects

    • Even if a teenager is not suffering from poor self-esteem during pregnancy, it is likely her self-esteem will be affected later in life because of potential educational and economic hardships. Some teen mothers suffer from poor perinatal outcomes, including welfare dependency, parenting problems, low educational achievement and unemployment. (See Reference 1)

    Considerations

    • Dr. Phil McGraw, a television talk-show host and former psychologist, states that the best way to raise a girl's self-esteem is to be a powerful role model, encourage gifts and talents, and help the girl to discover and be her authentic self. (See Resource Box)

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