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Thesis/Dissertation Information
- Degree Disciplines:
- Nursing
Notes
- Abstract:
- Background: African American adolescents are becoming pregnant and giving birth in disproportionate numbers, despite the decline in the general rate of adolescent pregnancy. While African American adolescents account for only 14 % of the teenage population, births to African American teenagers account for 28 % of all births and 47 % of all births to unmarried teenagers. Although there is a recognized salient connection between the high rates of adolescent motherhood among African Americans and the population’s mothering beliefs, patterns and attitudes, it is a complex phenomenon that continues to present challenges to researchers and provokes debate among policymakers and health care providers. The true experience of mothering and its perception among African American adolescent mothers has received little attention and has led to inconsistent public policies and programs that are unable to address the complex realities of the lives of these mothers. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore and gain a deeper understanding of the lived experience of motherhood from the perspectives of African American adolescent mothers. Theoretical Framework: van Manen’s phenomenological approach was used to guide this study. Method: Eleven African American adolescent mothers participated in semi-structured, audio-taped interviews. The seven procedural steps outlined by Colaizzi were used for data analysis. Results: Five themes depicting the meaning of motherhood from the perspective of African American adolescent mothers emerged. The five themes were (a) otherhood is difficult, (b) motherhood is redefining life, (c) motherhood is hope, (d) motherhood is focusing on material things, and (e) motherhood is relying on baby. The findings revealed that motherhood for African American adolescent mothers involves overcoming a difficult transition, redefining one’s life by making changes in one’s life. Motherhood is coming to terms with past behaviors and recognizing the need to create new experiences. Motherhood further means acquiring new dreams and hopes for a better life for the mothers and their children. Implications: Future discussions of the transition to motherhood for adolescent mothers, especially for African American adolescents, should be grounded in continued research concerning their developmental stage within their social context.
- Thesis:
- Thesis (Ph.D.)--Barry University, 2009.
- Bibliography:
- Includes bibliographical references (leaves 103-115).
Record Information
- Source Institution:
- Barry University
- Holding Location:
- Barry University Archives and Special Collections
- Rights Management:
- Copyright Paula Alexander-Delpech. Permission granted to Barry University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
- Resource Identifier:
- HQ759.4.A54 2009_Alexander-DelpechPaula ( BU-Local )
- Classification:
- HQ759.4.A54 2009 ( lcc )
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