A Comparison of Self-Esteem in Pregnant and Nonpregnant Teenagers

Friday, July 23, 2004
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Friday, July 23, 2004
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Anne A. Norwood, RN, MSN, CS-FNP¹, Lisa A. Haynie, RN, MSN, CS-FNP¹, and Jill S. White, RN, MSN². (1) University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing, Jackson, MS, USA, (2) School of Nursing, University of Mississippi School of Nursing, Jackson, MS, USA

Design:A causal-comparative survey design was utilized to compare the difference in the self-esteem of pregnant and non-pregnant teenagers.

Population, Sample, Setting, and Years: The population of interest for this study was the pregnant and non-pregnant teenager. The sample was one of convenienc and included girls, ages 13-19 who were pregnant and non-pregnant.The setting for the pregnant teenagers was a rural North Mississippi women’s clinic. The setting for the non-pregnant teenagers was a science class at the local public high school in this same rural town. This study was conducted in the late 1990’s.

Concepts or Variables Studied Together or Intervention and Outcome Variables:The concepts of age, self-esteem, pregnancy and non-pregnancy were studied.

Methods: This study was conducted utilizing the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory(CSEI). A demographic data sheet was also utilized requesting background data

Findings: The mean self-esteem score for the non-pregnant and pregnant groups was 66.473 and 73.891 respectively. A t-test at the 95% confidence interval was conducted resulting in a p-value of 0.02862. Results indicated pregnant teenagers have a significantly higher self-esteem than non-pregnant teenagers.

Conclusions: Overall, teenagers have an alteration in their self-esteem, with the pregnant teenager having the higher self-esteem.

Implications: Development and implementation of self-esteem and self-worth programs should be implemented in our schools systems beginning in kindergarten and would be valuable in establishing and maintaining a positive self-image. Mentorship programs could be available for those teenagers who are at high-risk for low self-esteem and pregnancy.Additional research is necessary to further explore the phenomenon of increased self esteem during teenage pregnancy, and to determine factors associated with this finding.