The life options model of early parenthood: An analysis of pregnant and non-pregnant African American teenagers

The purpose of the study was to test the assumptions inherent in the life options model of early unwed parenthood in the African American community. The model suggests that some urban African American adolescent teenagers choose early parenthood because they perceive and experience diminished educational, vocational and marital relationship opportunities. The model posits that these girls lack the motivation to postpone early parenthood.; A total of 52 adolescents participated in the study. Of these, 26 girls in at least the second trimester of their first pregnancy formed the experimental group, and 26 non-pregnant girls, matched for age comprised the control group. The mean age of participants was 16. There were no significant differences between groups in family structure, employment status, drug and tobacco use, or delinquent behavior. Six scales were administered to the participants: the Rotter Internal-External Locus of Control Orientation Scale; the Rosenberg Self Concept Scale; a modified version of the Psychosocial Competence Interview; the Behavioral Attributes and Psychosocial Competence Scale (short form); the Early Parenthood Attitude Scale; and the Adolescent View of Opportunity Scale. The latter two scales were developed specifically for this study.; No differences were found between groups in perceptions of opportunity, self-concept, psychosocial competence or behavioral coping styles. Pregnant adolescents were more externally oriented than non-pregnant adolescents (p {dollar}<{dollar}.05), and they held more positive attitudes toward early parenting (p {dollar}<{dollar}.05). However, non-pregnant adolescents demonstrated a tendency to endorse early parenting as well. Pregnant adolescents perceived more approving attitudes toward early pregnancy by members of their social network than non-pregnant adolescents (p {dollar}<{dollar}.05). An examination of correlational patterns indicated that pregnant girls associate positive social network attitudes toward their pregnancy with a more positive view of educational, vocational and marital relationship opportunities (p {dollar}<{dollar}.05). No such pattern was found for non-pregnant girls.; The findings are discussed in relation to current social policy trends aimed at enhancing life options for African American youth. Primary prevention programs with an appreciation of ecological and developmental factors are emphasized.