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Pregnancy in Adolescence

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Abstract

Pregnancy in adolescence is a complex experience that affects youth, their offspring, and their families. In addition to personal costs, there is both an economic and societal impact from adolescent pregnancy. Although the adolescent birthrates have decreased since 1991 and social norms have fostered an increased tolerance for early childbearing, adolescent pregnancy continues to be a public health challenge. Research on brain development and protective factors informs program development as we design interventions that factor in the social determinants of health and endeavor to eliminate health disparities. Access to reliable contraceptive methods such as long-acting reversible contraception (intrauterine device and hormonal implant) is but one means for reducing unintended or mistimed pregnancy. More broadly, adolescents need to learn how to develop healthy relationships and prevent intimate partner violence. Safe passage through adolescence demands that we work collaboratively to build systems of care that foster positive youth development.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02125, USA

    Mary M. Aruda Ph.D., P.N.P., F.N.P., F.A.A.N.P

  2. Bouve’ College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA

    P. Burke Ph.D., F.N.P., P.N.P., F.S.A.H.M.

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  1. Mary M. Aruda Ph.D., P.N.P., F.N.P., F.A.A.N.P
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  2. P. Burke Ph.D., F.N.P., P.N.P., F.S.A.H.M.
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Correspondence to Mary M. Aruda Ph.D., P.N.P., F.N.P., F.A.A.N.P .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno, MS 0296, Reno, 89557-0062, New York, USA

    William T. O'Donohue

  2. , Department of Psychology, MS 0296, University of Nevada, Reno, North Virginia Street, Reno, 89557, Nevada, USA

    Lorraine T. Benuto

  3. , Integration Services, Aurora Mental Health Center, 11059 East Bethany Drive, Suite 105, Aurora, 80014, Colorado, USA

    Lauren Woodward Tolle

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Aruda, M.M., Burke, P. (2013). Pregnancy in Adolescence. In: O'Donohue, W., Benuto, L., Woodward Tolle, L. (eds) Handbook of Adolescent Health Psychology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6633-8_35

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