Emotional Effects
Parental reactions to the news of a teen pregnancy include denial, guilt and anger; emotions often shared by the pregnant teen. The young father and his family can also experience similar feelings, according to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Depending on the family’s religious beliefs and social network, fear of being rejected or even ostracized can come into play. Many parents of a pregnant adolescent perceive the situation as a negative reflection on their own parenting skills. The pregnant teen can become depressed, which can also have a negative impact on the family’s overall emotional well-being. On the positive side, many families reach a point of acceptance, focusing their emotional energies on welcoming the infant and helping the teenager move forward with her life and education after the birth.