Stress and Coping among Pregnant Adolescents

Abstract

To obtain information regarding the responses to stress and the degree of stress experienced by pregnant adolescents, a sample of 120 pregnant adolescents was given three measures of stress: the State TraitAnxiety Inventory (STAI), the Sources of Stress Inventory, and the Pregnant Adolescent/Adolescent Mother Stress Measure. A majority of the respondents reported experiencing dysphoric affect in response to stress. Those ivithin the sample who reported experiencing the highest degree of stress also reported a greater degree of anger andfrustration as well as dysphoria. Specific coping strategies for dealing with stress were employed infiequently and were viewed as minimally effective. When coping strategies were used, however, those employed were more often adaptiv e (e.g., relaxation, distraction) than maladaptive (e.g., substance abuse, aggression). The only individual reported to be afrequent source of stress was the unborn child's father, a source of great stress for 43.3% of the pregnant adolescents.