Examining the Relationship between Teenage Pregnancy and Maladaptive Behaviors

• In Event: Research on Suicidal Ideation, Teenage Pregnancy, Soccer Hooliganism, Workplace Stresses and General Strain Theory

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy has been a social problem that the United States for several decades. A large body of literature has examined the correlates of teenage pregnancy. Although this work has significantly advanced scholarship, at least two questions and issues remain. First, while scholars have focused heavily on the causes of teenage pregnancy, they have paid scant attention to the consequences, particularly maladaptive behaviors. Second, little attention has been paid to the mediating impact of social control variables on the relationship between teenage pregnancy and maladaptive behavior. To address these research gaps, this study relies on general strain theory (GST) to examine the effect of teenage pregnancy and maladaptive behavior, and the mediation effect of social control variables. Implications for theory, research, and policy will be discussed.

Authors

• D'Andre Walker, Arizona State University

• Kristy Holtfreter, Arizona State University