ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUT.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the similarities and differences between pregnant/parenting teens and other young women who drop out of high school. It also sought to determine the characteristics which discriminate between pregnant or parenting teens who continue with school and those who drop out. A comparison of 33 female high school dropouts with 47 dropouts from an alternative program for pregnant/parenting teens produced a discriminant function which accounted for 99% of the variance between the groups and correctly classified 74% of the subjects by group. Examination of the discriminating variables did not produce the expected variables such as school performance, educational aspirations, and value of education to friends. The results indicated that the two groups of dropouts did not differ in educational background variables and that pregnancy alone did not cause otherwise capable students to drop out of school. It was found that pregnant/parenting dropouts were more likely to be Hispanic, from families who valued education less, and have lower career and college aspirations than other dropouts. The second comparison of 47 pregnant/parenting students who dropped from the alternative program with 67 who maintained enrollment, produced a discriminant function which accounted for 86% of the variance between groups and correctly predicted group membership for 93% of the subjects. Among the variables which defined this function were grade point average, attendance, importance of education to family and friends, educational aspirations, past drop out, sports activities, more than one child, self-esteem, SES, and being minority. These are typical of the differences between any dropouts and enrolled students regardless of the pregnancy.