The Meaning of the Future for Adolescent Mothers: A Grounded Theory Study

Abstract

Aim: To describe the meaning that adolescent mothers give to their future. Design: Qualitative study with a design based on grounded theory and the approach proposed by Corbin and Strauss. Methods: Forty-nine semistructured individual interviews were conducted with mothers between the ages of 16 and 19 living permanently with their child more than 40 days postpartum. The interviews were audio recorded. Field notes were made that were transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was carried out by means of open, axial and selective coding and theoretical sampling. Results: Adolescent mothers’ meaning of the future was encompassed by the core category of ‘changing life, but not destroying it’. Five general categories emerged: changing life by being a mother; taking my child forward regardless of whether I expected it; changing my mind about motherhood; adjusting expectations about the child's father; performing family planning in search of a better future; each category is supported by subcategories that further adolescent mothers’ meaning of the future. Conclusions: The meaning that an adolescent mother gives to her future arises from the interaction of the events in her past and her reaction to the present. In addition, this experience, together with her other circumstances, leads her to interpret reality in a specific way. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: This study provides obstetric nursing professionals with a theoretical proposal that describes the meaning of the future for adolescent mothers. It enables nursing practitioners to optimise care by aligning it with the realities faced by these mothers. Impact: Teen pregnancy is a public health priority. The theoretical approach in the study provides a distinct view to the field of nursing, health professionals and the school/government system on adolescent mothers. It demonstrates the vulnerability of mothers and their children and how they require an organised system that bypasses the inequity and stigmatisation to which they are subject. Reporting Method: COREQ checklist was used. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution. © 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.