Experiences Of Adolescent Mothers Research Articles

Unveiling Socioeconomic Disparities: Understanding Pregnancy Awareness and Family Well-being among Middle-Late Adolescent Mothers across Diverse Socioeconomic Strata in Urban Manila, Philippines

This research study examines the real-life experiences of adolescent mothers within the age group of 13-17 years old (middle adolescence) to 18-21 years old (late adolescence), coming from middle and low socioeconomic backgrounds. Using different qualitative research techniques, this study aims to uncover unique obstacles, coping strategies, and support networks encountered by teenage mothers from different economic strata. A total of 6 teenage mothers from middle-class (n=3) and low-income (n=3) settings is conducted to gather their stories and perspectives. Thematic analysis is employed to discern common threads and distinctions between the two groups, creating themes to categorize the similarities between their responses. The outcomes of this inquiry offer valuable insights into how socioeconomic status intersects with teenage parenthood, underscoring four significant factors that emerged through the data analysis: Support Systems, Educational and Career Trajectory, Family Dynamics and Expectations, and Awareness and Perception. Having identified these themes can design a path towards creating customized interventions and support mechanisms for both vulnerable demographics while advocating for more inclusive and educational programs in raising awareness and removing the stereotypes about teenage pregnancy. For future researchers interested in studying the real-life experiences of adolescent mothers from different economic backgrounds, it is essential to consider the myriad of factors that shape their lives. These factors include race, culture, and geographical location, all of which intersect with their socioeconomic status to influence their experiences.

Perception and experiences of adolescent mothers and communities in caring for their preterm babies: findings from an in-depth study in rural Bangladesh

BackgroundA significant concern for Bangladesh is the high prevalence of adolescent pregnancy and the associated negative consequences for mother and baby, including a teen-related increased risk of preterm birth (PTB). Bangladesh also has one of the highest incidences of PTB (19%). Despite these high numbers of adolescent pregnancies and PTB, little is reported about the experiences of adolescent mothers in caring for their preterm babies, and the interventions needed to support them. The aim of this study was to explore gaps and opportunities for improved care for preterm babies among adolescent mothers and communities in rural Bangladesh.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study in rural villages of Baliakandi sub-district of Bangladesh. Data collection involved in-depth interviews with adolescent mothers of premature and term babies, adult mothers with premature babies, and family members (n = 36); focus groups with community members (n = 5); and key informant interviews with healthcare providers (n = 13). Adolescent mothers with term and adult mothers with PTBs were included to elicit similarities and differences in understanding and care practices of PTB. A thematic approach was used for data analysis.ResultsWe explored two major themes- perceptions and understanding of PTB; care practices and care-seeking for illnesses. We observed gaps and variations in understanding of preterm birth (length of gestation, appearance, causes, problems faced) and care practices (thermal management, feeding, weight monitoring) among all, but particularly among adolescents. Immediate natal and marital-kins were prominent in the narratives of adolescents as sources of informational and instrumental support. The use of multiple providers and delays in care-seeking from trained providers for sick preterm babies was noted, often modulated by the perception of severity of illness, cost, convenience, and quality of services. Health systems challenges included lack of equipment and trained staff in facilities to provide special care to preterm babies.ConclusionA combination of factors including local knowledge, socio-cultural practices and health systems challenges influenced knowledge of, and care for, preterm babies among adolescent and adult mothers. Strategies to improve birth outcomes will require increased awareness among adolescents, women, and families about PTB and improvement in quality of PTB services at health facilities.

Pengalaman adolescent mother dalam memberikan ASI eksklusif

Background: Breastfeeding provides the optimal nutrition for babies. Neonatal morbidity and mortality could be reduced by mothers's important role in delivering exclusive breastfeeding to infants aged 0 to 6 months. The knowledge of an adolescent mothers when breastfeeding can effect the mothers's mental and physical wellness.Objective: This study investigated the exclusive breastfeeding experiences of adolescents mothers.Methods: Exploring the meanings and experiences of adolescent mothers via in-depth interviews focusing on life experience as a way of describing the phenomenological approach.Results: There were seven participants and seven themes in this study. The seven themes include 1) Adolescent mothers's experience in giving exclusive breastfeeding, 2) Adolescent mothers's decision to give exclusive breastfeeding, 3) Adolescent mothers's difficulties in giving exclusive breastfeeding, 4) Problems and obstacles in giving exclusive breastfeeding, 5) Adolescent mothers to survive in exclusive breastfeeding, 6) Adolescent mothers in increasing the volume of breast milk, 7) The motivation of adolescent mothers to give exclusive breastfeeding.Conclusion: Adolescent mothers provide supplemental nutrition for breastfed infants until the age of six months. The importance of family support and health professionals in mothers's awareness of exclusive breastfeeding.

Educational Experiences of Adolescent Mothers while Studying College in the Philippines

Adolescent pregnancy is a significant societal issue that results in lost opportunities for teenage girls in both developed and developing countries. This phenomenological research study explored the lived experience of adolescent mothers during their college years. Eight participants were asked, via unstructured interview, to share their experiences as college students in the midst of pregnancy. Data was analyzed using Collaizi’s method, while member checks and expert audits of interview outputs were done to ensure trustworthiness. Results show that the participants went through several stages in their plight: they faced the complexities of adolescent pregnancy alongside college education; dealt with life and educational conflicts; appreciated the importance of education; found the resolve to carry on for their child; and dreamt of a better future for their families. These findings were clustered into themes and related to Parson’s Adaptation, Goal Attainment, Integration, and Latency theory, as adolescent pregnancy paved the way for teenagers to assimilate society’s expectations of responsible adulthood. Consistent with academic literature, the participants’ experiences show that adolescent mothers are vulnerable in the education setting, and need proper guidance to achieve their full potential. This research can serve as groundwork for initiating several educational reforms. A multicomponent intervention program was developed that is rooted in school and community partnerships.

Negotiating Identities and Power

Introduction: despite universal efforts, child marriages still occur worldwide. However, not all child marriage unions last, and little is known about how such marriages end. Most critically, there is little information on what happens to young mothers when child marriage unions dissolve. This paper explores the experiences of adolescent mothers who were in child marriages in the cultural context of central Malawi.
 Methodology: using qualitative methods, data was collected in two districts in central Malawi. One focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted with key community members (n=14) and three FGD, guided by an unstandardized interview guide, were conducted with adolescent mothers aged 15-22 years (n=15). The FGD with adolescent mothers were conducted in three groups, ranging from three to nine participants per group. In addition to this, a key informant interview was conducted with a community leader who is traditionally recognized as paramount chief (n=1). The data was analysed using a content analysis. The study applied the concept of ‘doing gender’ by West and Zimmerman (1987) in the analysis.
 Results: what emerged from the data is that adolescent mothers embodied fragmented identities that are changing over time given the influence of life events. Amid different combinations of roles, several identities were observed: mother, wife, young, adolescent, girl, married, unmarried, victim of child marriage, survivor of child marriage, unemployed, employed, re-enrolled student, and school dropout. While these identities changed, gender did not, thus the changing identifications provided displays for ‘doing gender’ under a diverse set of subjectivities. Expressions of power at the micro-level were demonstrated by adolescent mothers through ‘resilience vs. perseverance’.
 Conclusions: the study highlights that cultural sensitivity and responsiveness by traditional leaders, such as the chief, play a role in the empowering revisions of one’s identity by championing liberating life events through the termination of child marriage or access to girls’ education regardless of resistance.

Adolescent mothers' lived experiences whilst providing continuous kangaroo mother care: A qualitative study.

BackgroundKangaroo mother care (KMC) is the practice of skin-to-skin contact between an infant and parent and has been found to improve the growth and decrease the morbidity and mortality of low-birth-weight and premature infants. Adolescent pregnancy is associated with a preterm birth or low-birth-weight infant; therefore, it is possible that an adolescent mother may have to provide KMC. The adolescent mother, who is likely to have her first experience of motherhood, may have to be supported to ensure that she is able to provide KMC and the routine care for her preterm infant. The literature review did not reveal any research conducted in the Western Cape province on the experiences of adolescent mothers whilst providing KMC. It is, therefore, important to conduct research on this phenomenon so that the lived experiences of adolescent mothers whilst providing KMC can be described.AimThe aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of adolescent mothers whilst providing continuous KMC.SettingThe study was conducted in a district and central hospital KMC wards in Cape Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa.MethodsA qualitative, descriptive, phenomenological research design was used. Ten adolescent mothers were selected through purposive sampling. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted, transcribed and analysed using Colaizzi’s framework.ResultsThree themes emerged from the data: providing KMC, the interactions and the support received.ConclusionSupportive educative environments should be established in the KMC wards to ensure that the adolescent mothers receive holistic support.

Live Experiences of Adolescent Mothers Attending Mbale Regional Referral Hospital: A Phenomenological Study.

Background Adolescence is a period of transition from childhood to adulthood, and is a critical stage in ones' development. It is characterized by immense opportunities and risks. By 2016, 16% of the world's population was of adolescents, with 82% residing in developing countries. About 12 million births were in 15–19 year olds. Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly East Africa, has high adolescent pregnancy rates, as high as 35.8% in eastern Uganda. Maternal mortality ratio (MMR) attributable to 15–19 years olds is significant with 17.1% of Uganda's MMR 336/100.000 live births being in this age group. Whereas research is awash with contributing factors to such pregnancies, little is known about lived experiences during early motherhood. This study reports the lived experiences of adolescent mothers attending Mbale Hospital. Materials and Methods A phenomenological study design was used in which adolescent mothers that were attending Young Child Clinic were identified from the register and simple random sampling was used to select participants. We called these mothers by way of phone numbers and asked them to come for focus group discussions that were limited to 9 mothers per group and lasting about 45 minutes–1 hour. Ethical approval was sought and informed written consent obtained from participants. At every focus group discussion, the data which had largely been taken in local languages was transcribed and translated verbatim into English. Results The research revealed that adolescent mothers go through hard times especially with the changes of pregnancy and fear of unknown during intrapartum and immediate postpartum period and are largely treated negatively by family and other community members in addition to experiencing extreme hardships during parenting. However, these early mothers' stress is alleviated by the joy of seeing their own babies. Conclusion Adolescent motherhood presents a high risk group and efforts to support them during antenatal care with special adolescent ANC clinics and continuous counseling together with their household should be emphasized to optimize outcome not only during pregnancy but also thereafter. Involving these mothers in technical courses to equip them with skills that can foster self-employment and providing support to enable them pursue further education should be explored.

Breastfeeding challenges among Thai adolescent mothers: hidden breastfeeding discontinuation experiences

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of adolescent mothers who wean their babies from breastfeeding before the first six months from the perspective of a psychosocial aspect in the Thai context.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive qualitative design was applied to this study to obtain meaningful data. The adolescent mothers for the primary study and nine supplementary participants were recruited from the largest university hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 adolescent mothers. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used for data analysis.FindingsThe average breastfeeding duration was 3.1 months while breastfeeding exclusively lasted 1.3 months. More than half of the adolescent mothers encountered breastfeeding problems at hospitalization including sore/cracked nipples (63.6%), one side breastfeeding (27.3%) and exhaustion (9.1%). According to the content analysis, (1) breastfeeding obstacles concealed by the adolescents' dependence and (2) repetitive emotional mistakes encountered were the two main themes that emerged.Originality/valueThe influence of key family members plays a vital role in breastfeeding and psychological outcomes. Therefore, family-adolescent support programs including support from the adolescents' mothers and grandmothers may improve breastfeeding outcomes, yield positive emotions and enhance maternal attachment. Moreover, healthcare professions are important mediators to convince adolescent mothers' key family members to reach an agreement and provide suitable support.

Adolescent mothers affected by HIV and their children: A scoping review of evidence and experiences from sub-Saharan Africa

ABSTRACT While adolescents have received increasing attention in the global HIV response and international strategies and commitments, adolescent mothers and their children remain largely overlooked in research, funding and, programming for health-related outcomes. We conducted an extensive scoping review of current evidence on the experiences of adolescent mothers affected by HIV and their children in this region. We included published literature and conference abstracts, complemented by consultations with key stakeholders, and a review of documents through grey literature searching. First, we summarise the experiences of adolescent mothers and their children related to HIV and key health and development indicators. The syndemic of early motherhood and HIV in sub-Saharan Africa increases the vulnerability of adolescent mothers and their children. We then highlight lessons from a series of promising programmes focused on supporting adolescent mothers through novel approaches. In sub-Saharan Africa, supporting adolescent mothers living in high HIV-risk communities is critical not only to eliminate HIV/AIDS, but also to attain the Sustainable Development Goals. While research on and programming for adolescent mothers and their children is growing, the complex needs for this vulnerable group remain unmet. We conclude with evidence gaps and programming priorities for adolescent mothers affected by HIV and their children.

Staff Perspectives Regarding the Influence of Trauma on the Intimate Partnering Experiences of Adolescent Mothers in Residential Foster Care

Adolescent girls in foster care are disproportionately vulnerable to pregnancy and parenthood. These experiences of motherhood might be partially attributable to experiences of trauma, including sexual trauma. Trauma, particularly related to domestic violence and sexual abuse, have been linked to subsequent struggles in intimate relationships, such as dating violence or engagement in unsafe sexual behaviors. Although some research has begun to investigate experiences of trauma on relationships, there has been a lack of focus on intimate relationships in general and how they have been influenced by past and/or current traumatic experiences. The present study draws on 12 interviews with program staff who work with adolescent mothers at a residential foster care facility. Staff provided perceptions concerning the mothers’ dating and sexual health experiences to provide recommendations for working with this population. Findings present two overarching themes which attend to the nature of the mothers’ lived relationship experiences (e.g., boundaries, expectations) and how those relationships had been influenced by their past experiences of trauma. Findings provide implications for empirically informed and strengths-based, as opposed to deficit-focused, practice. Future research should focus on further developing trauma-informed care for adolescent mothers in foster care.

Traumatic Childhood Experiences and Psychiatric Outcomes of Adolescent Mothers in Turkey

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to define the sociodemographic characteristics of adolescent mothers in Turkey as well as to compare their traumatic childhood experiences and their depression and anxiety levels with those of adult mothers. Sixty-eight mothers participated in this cross-sectional study. The frequency of traumatic childhood experiences and the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms among the adolescent mothers were found to be significantly lower than among the adult mothers, except for emotional neglect. The severity of anxiety symptoms was found to be significantly higher in those adolescent mothers who did not intend to become pregnant and who live with their own family or in institutional care than in those who live with their partner and/or his family. This is the first study to evaluate the traumatic childhood experiences of adolescent mothers in Turkey. Further, this cross-sectional study demonstrates that the initial psychiatric assessment of adolescent mothers who intended to become pregnant might reflect their level of psychiatric wellbeing. It is clear that additional policies concerning the prevention of adolescent pregnancy and the follow-up of adolescent mothers need to be developed in Turkey.

Exploring Indonesian adolescent women’s healthcare needs as they transition to motherhood: A qualitative study

BackgroundMarriage and underage childbirth is a phenomenon of increasing incidence globally. Adolescent mothers simultaneously encounter multiple developmental challenges related to transition into adulthood, marriage, pregnancy and mothering responsibilities. Despite this, studies investigating postpartum care needs for adolescent mothers are limited. AimsThe aim of this study was to explore adolescent mothers’ postnatal inpatient experiences and healthcare needs as they moved towards their maternal roles. MethodsA descriptive qualitative design was adopted to better understand experiences of adolescent mothers during their transition to becoming mothers. Data were collected using in-depth interviews with eleven adolescent mothers in hospital settings in South Sulawesi, Indonesia and analysed using thematic analysis. ResultsFour major themes emerged: (1) breastfeeding problems, (2) disempowerment in caring for the baby, (3) health care encounters, and (4) health care needs for adolescent motherhood transition. DiscussionBreastfeeding problems and feeling disempowered in caring for their babies after birth was experienced by all adolescent mothers in this study. Furthermore, the health care provided was limited to mandatory hospital tasks with staff failing to recognize adolescent mothers’ broader needs. The findings suggest that adolescent mothers need compassionate health education, support and psychological care from midwives in the postpartum ward before hospital discharge. ConclusionThe results highlight important issues in postnatal care provision for adolescent mothers in improving their maternal roles during the transition period. Specific, appropriate interventions for adolescent mothers are needed to support their transition and adaptation to their new roles.

Experiences of young adolescent mothers regarding adolescent motherhood in Oshana region

Background and objective: Adolescence is generally understood as a period of growing to maturity, transition from childhood to adulthood with physical and mental maturity. Nowadays girls enter puberty as young as 9 years which pose a health risk to adolescent pregnancy and early motherhood. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of adolescent mothers as regards motherhood in Oshana region.Methods: A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual study was conducted among adolescent mothers in Oshana Region of Namibia regards their experiences on adolescent motherhood. Thematic analysis following Tesch’s analysis process was employed.Results: The findings of this study revealed that having a baby at a younger age have a negative effect on their future plans. It is an unfortunate fact that emerged from the study that many adolescent mothers lack the required form of support or social assistance both during pregnancy and in raising their children in the economically driven world of today. It is an unfortunate fact that emerged from the study that many adolescent mothers lack the required form of support or social assistance both during pregnancy and in raising their children in the economically driven world of today. It appeared that having a child gives an added impetus to their lives; and they felt that every decision or step they made would impact their babies’ lives in one way or another.Conclusions: It appeared that having a child gives an added impetus to their lives; and they felt that every decision or step they made would impact their babies’ lives in one way or another. They experienced distorted inter-personal relationships with families and friends related to motherhood as well as challenges on bringing up a baby and baby care. However adolescent mothers also had future ambitions on education, support, relationships and job attainment.

Experiences of adolescent mothers in Costa Rica and the role of parental support

ABSTRACTAdolescent pregnancy is often thought of as a social problem, one that can cause the adolescent mother hardship, including poverty, low-educational attainment, and housing instability. Although much research has been conducted about adolescent pregnancy in the developed world, less has considered adolescent pregnancy in the developing world. This qualitative study focuses on women who were impoverished in Costa Rica who had been pregnant in adolescence. The goal of the study was to gain a better understanding of the lived experiences of the mothers, as well as the kinds of support they received during and after the pregnancy. The research sample consisted of 22 female participants who were impoverished and had experienced an unintended pregnancy in adolescence. The key finding from this study was that parental support was the most important factor in mitigating adolescent experiences of stress and negative feelings about their choices related to the pregnancy. The study has implications for the understanding of the experiences of women who are vulnerable with respect to adolescent pregnancies in Latin America and for Latina migrants to the United States.

Experiences of pregnancy and motherhood among teenage mothers in a suburb of Accra, Ghana: a qualitative study.

BackgroundThe proportion of teenage girls who are mothers or who are currently pregnant in sub-Saharan African countries is staggering. There are many studies regarding teenage pregnancy, unsafe abortions, and family planning among teenagers, but very little is known about what happens after pregnancy, ie, the experience of teenage motherhood. Several studies in Ghana have identified the determinants of early sexual activity, contraception, and unsafe abortion, with teenage motherhood only mentioned in passing. Few studies have explored the experiences of adolescent mothers in detail with regard to their pregnancy and childbirth. This qualitative study explores the experiences of adolescent mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and care of their newborns.MethodsThis qualitative study was based on data from focus group discussions and indepth interviews with teenage mothers in a suburb in Accra. Participants were recruited from health facilities as well as by snowball sampling.ResultsSome of the participants became pregnant as a result of transactional sex in order to meet their basic needs, while others became pregnant as a result of sexual violence and exploitation. A few others wanted to become pregnant to command respect from people in society. In nearly all cases, parents and guardians of the adolescent mothers were upset in the initial stages when they heard the news of the pregnancy. One key finding, quite different from in other societies, was how often teenage pregnancies are eventually accepted, by both the young women and their families. Also observed was a rarity of willingness to resort to induced abortion.ConclusionSpecial programs should be initiated by the government and the various responsible departments to address ignorance on sexual matters, and the challenges and risks associated with pregnancy and parenting by adolescents. Parenting techniques should be taught in sex education programs.

Giving voice to adolescent mothers’ challenges

An estimated 32% to 60% of adolescent mothers experience postpartum depression. Young women who deal with the simultaneous developmental tasks of adolescence and parenting are vulnerable to depression, which affects the welfare of both the mother and child. The primary objective of this qualitative study was to appreciate the unique experiences of adolescent mothers. Seventeen postpartum adolescents participated in two focus groups and completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The qualitative data analysis identified 19 major conceptual themes in the data. The four most frequently discussed themes that emerged were: 1) social support, 2) differences between teen and adult mothers, 3) parenting ability, and 4) increased maturity. Six of the 17 participants (35.3%) had CES-D scores of 16 or above, which is indicative of a probable major depression. These findings highlight areas that could inform screening assessments, treatment, and prevention programs for adolescent mothers.

Early breastfeeding experiences of adolescent mothers: a qualitative prospective study

BackgroundTeen mothers face many challenges to successful breastfeeding and are less likely to breastfeed than any other population group in the U.S. Few studies have investigated this population; all prior studies are cross-sectional and collect breastfeeding data retrospectively. The purpose of our qualitative prospective study was to understand the factors that contribute to the breastfeeding decisions and practices of teen mothers.MethodsThis prospective study took place from January through December 2009 in Greensboro, North Carolina in the U.S. We followed the cohort from pregnancy until two weeks after they ceased all breastfeeding and milk expression. We conducted semi-structured interviews at baseline and follow-up, and tracked infant feeding weekly by phone. We analyzed the data to create individual life and breastfeeding journeys and then identified themes that cut across the individual journeys.ResultsFour of the five teenagers breastfed at the breast for nine days: in contrast, one teen breastfed exclusively for five months. Milk expression by pumping was associated with significantly longer provision of human milk. Breastfeeding practices and cessation were closely connected with their experiences as new mothers in the context of ongoing multiple roles, complex living situations, youth and dependency, and poor knowledge of the fundamentals of breastfeeding and infant development. Breastfeeding cessation was influenced by inadequate breastfeeding skill, physically unpleasant and painful early experiences they were unprepared to manage, and inadequate health care response to real problems.ConclusionsContinued breastfeeding depends on a complex interplay of multiple factors, including having made an informed choice and having the skills, support and experiences needed to sustain the belief that breastfeeding is the best choice for them and their baby given their life situation. Teenagers in the US context need to have a positive early breastfeeding experience, be able to identify and claim a reliable support system supportive of breastfeeding, and gain through their experience, a belief in their own agency and competency as mothers.

Early breastfeeding experiences of adolescent mothers: a qualitative prospective study

Early breastfeeding experiences of adolescent mothers: a qualitative prospective study

The Politics of Regulation: Adolescent Mothers and the Social Context of Resiliency

Abstract: The experiences of adolescent mothers have too often been reduced to patterns of correlation linking teenage parenthood with low educational attainment, persistent poverty and continued welfare dependency. These analyses have reinforced representations of an “undeserving poor” and the tendency to “blame the victim” for her structural condition and her dependence on the state. Researchers in adolescent development have attempted to move beyond pathologizing frameworks by considering the “resiliency” of young mothers; yet their contributions have been limited by the tendency to reduce experience to the level of psychological coping mechanisms. In this article, I build upon more recent work as I explore the multifaceted ways in which resiliency can be interpreted. Drawing from the experiences of adolescent mothers within the care of the child welfare system, I illustrate empirically that resiliency is not an intrinsic, psychological characteristic but rather, shifts in relation to particular social contexts and policies.

To Parent or Relinquish: Consequences for Adolescent Mothers

A PREGNANT adolescent who decides not to have an abortion is faced with a difficult decision—to parent her child or relinquish it for adoption. Of the more than one million teenage girls who become pregnant each year, close to 50 percent give birth, and about 7 per cent decide to place the child for adop tion.1 The negative social, economic, and psychological outcomes confronted by adolescents who choose to parent are well-known; however, there is little infor mation regarding the experiences of adolescent mothers who decide to relin quish their children.2 As a result, preg nancy counselors, policymakers, and adolescents have little or no basis on which to evaluate the likely conse quences of relinquishment versus paren ting. In this study, the educational, demo graphic, economic, and psychological outcomes of the decision to parent or relinquish among adolescent mothers are compared. Researchers have assumed that because mothers who relinquish their children are unaffected by the same financial, emotional, and child-rearing demands associated with being an ado lescent parent, they avoid many of the long-term consequences of adolescent fertility. However, it is unreasonable to assume that the relinquishment process does not affect their subsequent behavior. Previous literature has sug gested several longand short-term con sequences from the decision to relin quish. The experience of the birth and the relinquishment process is followed by a period of grief that some researchers have suggested may affect behavior re garding education, marriage, fertility, and economics, as well as psychological well-being. Conversely, some pregnan cy counselors believe that a decision to relinquish a child may have numerous positive psychological effects, including a lasting ' 'maturing' ' effect and positive impacts on aspiration, achievement, and feelings of self-worth. Steven D. McLaughlin Susan E. Pearce Diane L. Manninen Linda D. Winges