The relationship of perceptions of mothering to motivation for teenagers to become parents

This descriptive study explored the relationship between the teenager's perceptions of her mother and her motivation to become a parent. Thirty-eight teenage primiparas participated in the study. The Child Study Inventory measured motivation for parenthood. The Parent Perception Questionnaire measured perceptions of mother. The scores from the two instruments were analyzed using a Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r). Findings were not significant. Scores on the CSI and the Parent Perception Questionnaire were correlated with the demographic data. Results were not significant. The majority of these pregnant teenagers had experienced the loss of a parent. Using a Fisher's t-test, the CSI motivation scores were compared to race. Black respondents were found to be more altruistically motivated. Write-in data indicated that family conflict and loss may be an influence in teenage pregnancy.;A tool to measure teenage motivation for parenthood needs to be developed. Nurses may be able to influence teen pregnancy through education and counseling.