Disentangling Subjective Norms: The Social Effects of Friends and Parents on Unintended Young Pregnancy

• In Event: 447 - Section on Social Psychology Roundtable Session (co-sponsored with Section on Sociology of Emotions)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 07. Family Dynamics and the Life Course

Abstract

This paper examines the role of perceived norms in predicting unintended pregnancy rates among young women (ages 18-22) in the United States. Working within the theory of planned behavior framework, I first assess the relationship between fertility-related subjective norms and unintended pregnancy, with particular interest in what type of norms – injunctive or descriptive – and whose – parents’ or friends’ - best predict pregnancy. Second, I test the social effects through which perceived norms operate to influence unintended young pregnancy, either through diffusion or social pressure. Third, I investigate two intermediate behaviors through which perceived norms affect pregnancy outcomes: sex and contraception. Fourth, I explore how these effects vary by parity. Findings from this study shed important light on how young women understand or perceive their social reality and how these perceptions of what is “normal” or “right” amongst family and friends influence a particularly consequential early-life decision: when to become a parent.

Author

• Ellen Compernolle, University of Michigan