Abstract
This paper presents a number of psychological issues that could influence the behaviors of teenagers who become parents out of wedlock. It addresses normative adolescent psychological development, emphasizing the developmental thrust towards separation, but juxtaposes the deviant psychological development of teenagers who are unable to gain control of their childbearing. The impact of early childhood experiences, the role of parents as models, family experiences, social class, changing societal sexual mores, urban living, education and a sense of future are explicated. Particular focus is given to the different experiences of female and male teenagers and the meaning of parenthood to each. The influence of cognitive challenges and of specific psychiatric illnesses is also addressed. The paper concludes that social policy should integrate an understanding of these issues in the crafting of domestic policy on teenage parenthood.
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