Ecological Contexts in Adolescent Pregnancy: The Role of Individual, Sociodemog...

• Author(s): Araújo-Pedrosa, A ; Pires, R ; Carvalho, P ; Canavarro, MC ; Dattilio, F
• Date: 2011
• Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.4/1470
• Origin: Repositório do Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra
• Subject(s): Gravidez na Adolescência; Apoio Social
• Document Type: Article
• Language: English

Description

Adolescent pregnancy appears today as an intricate tapestry where different dimensions interact. In our study we examined the associations between individual, sociodemographic, familial, and relational variables and their impact on the occurrence of pregnancy and adolescents’ adjustment to it. Participants were Portuguese pregnant and non-pregnant adolescents (N = 833). Ecological contexts were characterized, and individual and relational adjustment (depressive symptoms and quality of life; perceived quality of relationship with significant others—parents, romantic partner and friends) were evaluated. Differences between the ecologies of adolescents in both groups were identified. Familial and relational variables were significantly associated with both the risk of pregnancy and more difficulties in adjustment. Implications for preventive intervention are discussed.