The current analysis is one of very few prospective studies
to examine the direct relationship between childhood
sexual abuse and teenage reproductive behavior. This analysis
uses a stringent definition of sexual abuse and compares
a sample of CSA females to a well-matched comparison
group, which many studies are unable to do. Results from
this research caution the interpretation of current statistics
reporting a decrease in national rates of teenage pregnancy
and suggests that for particular subpopulations, teenage
pregnancy continues to be a significant concern. This analysis
underscores the importance of family environment in affecting
teenage pregnancy and childbearing, specifically mother
perceptions of family control and organization. Considerable
research has documented the deleterious effects of CSA on
females – particularly on their subsequent sexual behavior.
The current analysis extends this research and suggests that
the family environment as construed by the CSA female
mother may have particular influence on the occurrence of
teenage reproductive behavior in females with a history of
childhood sexual abuse.
Implications of CSA, Teenage Pregnancy,
and Teenage Childbirth
• Declining rates of teenage pregnancy may not accurately
reflect population differences in teenage
pregnancy and childbirth.
• Each increase in abuse status corresponds to a 166%
increase in teenage pregnancy.
• Each increase in abuse status corresponds to a
greater than 400% increase in teenage childbirth.
• Pregnant and childbearing teenagers with a history
of CSA may be at risk of having complicated,
dysfunctional, or unhealthy family environments.
• Childbirth educators have an opportunity to identify
CSA and to offer resources and referrals for healing
as well as parenting classes for expecting and new
teenage parents.
• Information on healthy communication, boundaries,
rule-setting, discipline, and emotional expression
may be useful topics to include in parenting
seminars for teenage parents, particularly if there is a
suspected or verified history of CSA.
Post Trauma Moderators
continued from previous page
continued on