The relationship between a pregnant adolescent's self-esteem and her perceived communication with her father or father-figure

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between a pregnant adolescent's self-esteem and her perceived communication with her father or father-figure. The specific population used for the study was pregnant female adolescents aged 14-17 enrolled in a Teenage Parenting Program (TAPP). The Harter Adolescent Self-Perception Profile and The Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale were administered to a convenience sample (N = 25) and the collected data were analyzed using a descriptive research design. The sample studied was predominantly Hispanic in ethnicity and of low socioeconomic status. Global self-worth mean scores were in the high range and perceived communication with father mean scores were in the average range for the participants. Higher than norm scores for physical appearance were found which correlated highly (r = . 751) with global self-esteem. One relationship of significance was found between the self-esteem domain of Behavioral Conduct and perceived communication with father or father-figure.