The lived experiences of the parents of adolescent mothers during and after pregnancy: A phenomenological study of teenage pregnancy

• Main Authors: Castillo, Angelo Gregorio Liwag, Mina, Mary Aderianne Mendoza, Rodriguez, Kristel Claire De Dios, Santos, Ciara Ana Peralta
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2015
• Subjects: Teenage pregnancy; Children of teenage mothers; Teenage mothers; Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/11414
• Institution: De La Salle University

Teenage pregnancy is a growing phenomenon in the Philippines. The existing literature has mostly centered around the pregnant teen. This phenomenological study instead turned its attention towards the adolescent's mother and father. The authors explored the experiences of eleven Filipino parents of adolescent mothers. The purpose of the study was to uncover how Filipino fathers and mothers perceived the pregnancy and what meanings they ascribed to it. After analysis of the data gathered from semi-structured interviews of 11 parents, eight themes were identified: initial reactions towards the pregnancy, too young, unconditional support, realizations, Christian faith, love for grandchildren, relief at her financial independence, and situational comparisons. The findings indicate how Filipino cultural norms, spiritual beliefs, and socio-economic status impact their attitudes towards their daughter's pregnancy. The researchers recommend that attention be placed on ethnicity and demographics in order to better understand how culture influences the experience of teenage pregnancy.