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"Having a Baby Changes Everything" Reflective Functioning in Pregnant Adolescents
Lois S Sadler1, Gina Novick2, Mikki Meadows-Oliver2
1Yale University School of Nursing, Yale Child Study Center, Yale University West Campus, Orange, CT.
Reflective functioning (RF) in pregnant adolescents is limited by environmental factors, impacting their emotional experience and transition to parenthood. Understanding these challenges is key to supporting young mothers.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Adolescent Health
- Developmental Science
Background:
- Reflective functioning (RF) is crucial for sensitive parenting.
- RF has not been previously studied in pregnant adolescents.
- Adolescent pregnancy presents unique emotional challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between reflective functioning and the emotional experience of adolescent pregnancy.
- To understand how pregnant adolescents reflect on their pregnancies, babies, and parental roles.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study using interpretive description.
- 30 Latina and African-American pregnant adolescents (mean age 17.7) were interviewed.
- Secondary analysis of interview transcripts coded for RF levels.
Main Results:
- Identified five themes detailing adolescents' reflections on pregnancy, unborn babies, parental roles, and relationships.
- Adolescent developmental issues and harsh environments limited RF capacity.
- Complex emotional experiences characterized adolescent pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- Environmental stressors and developmental issues negatively impact RF in pregnant adolescents.
- Understanding RF in this population can inform tailored clinical interventions.
- Enhancing parental reflectiveness is vital for young mothers transitioning to parenthood.
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