Self concept of pregnant teenagers.

This study is an exploratory research effort to investigate whether an association exists between self concept and teen pregnancy or repetitive teen pregnancy. The study was conducted at a special school for pregnant girls using the Tennessee Self Concept Scale instrument with 148 available sample. The pregnant girls in this study had a lower self concept in general than the norm group and specifically in moral, family and social dimensions. Among these subjects, black girls had a higher self concept in all areas than white girls. There was no statistically significant difference on their scores between the first and repetitive pregnant girls. The self concept measure as a correlate of pregnancy may be selectively utilized for possible identification of the most vulnerable group or cases among teenage girls. A long-term approach to teenage pregnancy would be to improve their self concept through various support services. Significant others in the teenagers' lives may help improve in moral-ethical, family and social area with special concerted efforts.