“Women exposed to abuse, violence and family strife in childhood are more likely than those without such experiences to have a teenage pregnancy; the greater the number of adverse childhood experiences, the higher the likelihood of pregnancy”, this is according to a retrospective study of women attending a primary care clinic in San Diego. It is never really discussed in the episodes of “Teen Mom” and “16 & Pregnant” the background of the young people that get pregnant, but obviously this could play a part in why they had sex and got pregnant.
Obviously the show would not display too much, if any, abuse or violence between family members so it is important to keep these factors in mind when watching the show and remember they could be present. It is unfortunate that the gift of a child has to be the “accident” of a dysfunctional relationship between family members. Sadly, it makes sense that someone getting hurt would just simply want to be loved. This would explain their consent to sex, even if they know the risks. Could the answer be that we need more counseling about teaching teens to get help if they are hurting at home rather than sex itself?
--Kelsey P
A difficult childhood, especially domestic abuse, surly has many adverse effects on a person. It never occurred to me that childhood abuse could increase teen pregnancy, but now it sort of makes sense. I would imagine that an abused child might be afraid to trust anyone. However, after beginning to trust someone, especially a romantic partner, I could understand how a child could be too trusting.
ReplyDeleteThe study cited only looked at San Diego. I would be curious to see data on childhood difficulties from around the country, and even places outside of the country.
Taylor Z.
I never realized that abuse increased teen pregnancy either. I personally would like to learn more about that. I also wonder though if there is any other factors that play into the abuse/teen pregnancy? I would think that being abused whether sexually or physically would make me more closed off from people.
ReplyDeleteI don't agree however that sex shouldn't be taught and abuse prevention should be taught in it's place. It is still really important to have sex education for those who are and are not abused.
Kristen M.
I think that exploring teen pregnancy as a way to find love and be loved is a very pressing issue to point out. In many episodes of "Teen Mom" and/or "16 & Pregnant" we, the viewers, are privy to the hostility that can go on in these households. If these girls are feeling unwanted or unloved all of the time and think that by having sex with their partners would give them the love they so desperately desire - that is a huge issue that needs to be addressed.
ReplyDeletePerhaps a good handful of teens are not having sex to purely be promiscous, but are merely "searching for love in all the wrong places"
-Andrea W
This definitely is something I haven't really considered about family life in general and teenage pregnancy. Family and how you were raised is definitely part of the aspects you have to look at when contemplating teenage pregnancy. My cousin got pregnant at 16 and my aunt had her at 16 as well. Is there a cycle going on here? Its an interesting thing to contemplate.
ReplyDeleteIt's very sad that children are being brought into a family that already is having abuse problems. I hope that someone outside of the family is able to spot it so that the child can get help from an early age. Hopefully more girls can have access to resources to get help if they do feel like they are living in a home full of abuse and neglect. Having available resources either in schools or outside sources is critical in helping change this.
Sarah D
It makes me sad to think that young women will result in finding love in ways outside of their own families and the result is to have a child which only leads to having more problems. Its a vicious cycle and I don't know if any education or programs will change this because this starts at a young age, its psychological, but most of all its heart breaking.
ReplyDelete-Alice M