Intraindividual variation among pregnant adolescents: a pilot study and conceptual discussion

There is little empirical research or theory on intraindividual variation (mood changes) during adolescence, and virtually no research on intraindividual variation during adolescent pregnancy. This pilot study illustrates the need for research on pregnant adolescents' moods and their impact on survey reliability and validity. Fourteen adolescents kept diaries for six consecutive weeks during their pregnancies. The diary entries were analyzed for affective tone, emotional lability, and contextuality. A conceptual discussion is presented that questions the psychometric properties of data gathered using one time, self-report measures with pregnant adolescents because of their fluctuating mood states. Hypotheses are generated for future testing in this area and a call is made for a new area of research on intraindividual tension during adolescent pregnancy.