Title: ‘It’s not cancer, it’s a baby’; Lived experiences of
teenage pregnancy
Author/presenter: Maria Dempsey
Affiliations: School of Applied Psychology,
University College Cork, Ireland
Objective: This study explores the lived experiences of teenage
pregnancy in Ireland. It was situated in, and contributes to, a developing shift
in academic and public discourse on early aged pregnancy. Teenage voices, often
marginalised from this area of study, are the focus of this work.
Methods: The study comprised 81 individual and group interviews: 70 in
2000 and 11 in 2010. 61 of the individual interviews were with those who have
experienced teenage pregnancy. Data was analysed using Grounded Theory
Methodology.
Results: Teenage pregnancy is
described as a transformative challenging life event which can trigger personal
growth and result in a developed sense of agency. The theme of teenage pregnancy as a
journey with different routes, pacing, challenges and ways of being negotiated,
are developed in this study.
Discussion: Issues identified for discussion include: teenage pregnancy as a
catalyst in meaning making, teenage pregnancy and relational dynamics, teenage
pregnancy and cultural developments in Ireland, and psychological processes
intrinsic to lived experiences of teenage pregnancy. Implications for practice in
terms of supporting adjustment and adaptation to this life event are
noted.