Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Kelly R. Chermack

Abstract

Teen pregnancy and parenting at an early age can create numerous emotional stressors. Despite the documented need for mental health services among pregnant and parenting mothers, utilization rates of mental health services remain low. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore the experiences of pregnant and parenting mothers who utilized mental health services. Bandura’s social learning theory was used to explore how the experiences, perceptions, learned behaviors, thoughts, and beliefs surrounding mental health services impacted teen mothers’ experiences with mental health utilization. One-on-one interviews were conducted with eight teen mothers or other young mothers who had given birth or were pregnant while utilizing mental health services. Open coding was used to analyze interview transcripts and sort material into codes, categories, and themes. The study results included six themes regarding parenting and mental health services. Results confirmed that pregnancy and parenting coincided with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress, creating a need for mental health services, also found in the existing literature. Participants were not discouraged from obtaining services due to a lack of support from family, friends, or negative stigmas associated with mental health. As a result, a greater understanding of pregnant and parenting teen and young mother’s experiences was obtained. In addition, some of the specialized needs of pregnant and parenting mothers were identified and provide insight into how to best serve and advocate for the identified demographic. This may help mothers and practitioners obtain a better understanding of the mental health challenges of teen mothers and how to support those challenges and needs.

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