The Experience of Having Become Sexually Acitive For Teen Mothers

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe teen mothers' experience of having become sexually active. Most scholars who have studied teen sexual behavior have used quantitative methods and measured constructs such as self-esteem. Prior to data-gathering, literature about teen sexual behavior was reviewed and set aside to enable a more direct focus on data. Parental consent for participation was obtained for participants under 18. Of the 10 participants (aged 16 to 19 years), all had at least one living child. Each participant took part in 3 audiotaped interviews. Data about perceptions, actions, and intentions were compared across each participant's interviews and interviews of all participants. Four phenomena were discerned as ways in which participants had structured their experiences: (a) making a safe place, (b) redefining myself, (c) creating my own life story, and (c) engaging with the unknown. Compared to prior literature, the phenomena offer a richer and deeper perspective on teen sexual behavior. Findings suggest that efforts to increase perceptions of safety, to support personal identity, to bolster creativity, and to offer exploratory opportunities beyond sexual encounters could enhance effectiveness of programs designed to prevent early-onset sexual activity.