ABSTRACT
Depressive symptoms and violence exposure (VE) often cooccur and have been recognized to influence
childbearing; contribution to repeat pregnancy is unclear and examined in this article. This cross-sectional,
descriptive, study screened for depressive symptoms and VE among 193 adolescent mothers at a large county
hospital in Southwestern United States. Repeat pregnancy and depressive symptoms characterized one-third
and one-quarter of adolescents, respectively. Despite minimal disclosure of VE, repeat pregnancy was significantly
influenced by child abuse and past traumatic life experiences. Assessments and interventions with
adolescents should focus on frequency of repeat pregnancies and symptoms of depression and VE. Nurses
and childbirth educators are poised to offer birth control information and education, support, and resources
highlighting depression and VE to adolescents.