Gravidez na adolescência e estruturação da identidade feminina

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative study was to analyse the impact of adolescent pregnancy in female’s identity development in a sample of 5 women who have become mothers during their teenage years. The results indicate that early pregnancy is related with identity developmental problems that existed before, during, and after pregnancy. These problems seem to be related with pregnancy risk, considering the choice of acting-out engaging mates, the revealed patterns of sexual behaviour, and the internal problems in self development. Identity problems in pregnant teenagers seem to be related with absence/presence of a conflictive father and/or mother, family communication disorders, disunion, lack of integration of adult sexuality aspects, low self-esteem and lack of affection. Assuming the pregnancy for these participants seems to allow the teenage mothers to integrate the maternal role in her adult identity. However, the results indicate that these young women are functioning in a psychological low and undifferentiated level, considering self development. This is supported by the non-appearance of consistent personal and professional projects, by the absence of exploring roles and values, and by an insufficient level of autonomy in the decision making process. In conclusion, we suggest that a better comprehension of the phenomenon of the development of self in teenage mothers is needed, in order to properly assist them in their path towards identity construction.