Causes, Impacts and Effects of Teenage Motherhood in Britain

This research seeks to unveil the major causes, impacts and effects of teenage pregnancies in Britain by digging deeper into the encounters that teenage mothers go through from pregnancy until into their later lives. The research will also seek to unleash the major contributors of the same and the possible remedies so as to eradicate the cases of early pregnancies.

CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD 1
RESEARCH PROPOSAL FOR STUDY OF CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF
TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD
By (name)
Course
Tutor
University
City and state
Date

CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD 2
CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD IN BRITAIN
1. Abstract
In Britain, rates of teenage pregnancies have been lowering significantly but have not yet
been completely eradicated (O’GRADY, 2018). Entering into early parenthood could have lots
of implications on a young girl’s life. This research therefore will seek to unveil the major
causes, impacts and effects of teenage pregnancies by digging deeper into the encounters that
teenage mothers go through from pregnancy until into their later lives. The research will also
seek to unleash the major contributors of the same and the possible remedies so as to eradicate
the cases of early pregnancies. Such remedies will minimize cases of school drop outs as well as
improving quality of life in the general society in the long run.
2. Background (theoretical framework/contextual literature)
In comparison to other western European nations, the rates of teenage pregnancies in Britain
are relatively higher (Boucher, 2013). Though it could be a positive experience for some teenage
girls to enter into motherhood at an early age, previous studies have revealed that in the long
term, poor outcomes for both the mother and the child are directly attributable to early
motherhood. As a result, the United Kingdom government was prompted to launch the Teenage
Pregnancy Strategy in the year 1999. The chief aim was to ensure minimization of cases relating
to under 18 years’ pregnancies before the year 2010 (Coles & Porter, 2009). Published in 2010,
the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy Report indicated that up-to and until 2008, a reduction of 13.3%
on under 18 pregnancies was reported marking it as the lowest level for more than twenty years
(Cherry & Dillon, 2014).
The report also documented the main reasons for reducing early motherhood as reducing
future poor outcomes for both the mother and the child as well. The other reason was to reduce

CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD 3
the skyrocketing numbers of abortions in Britain by reducing occurrences of unwanted
pregnancies. Further researches have also indicated that out of every one hundred girls between
the ages of 15 years and 19 years old, an average of 2.9 girl give birth yearly in Britain. A report
from the Social Exclusion Unit attributed this high figures to lack of relationships and sex
education (Arai, 2009). Centring the debate however is the question whether poor outcomes in
the lives of those involved could be possibly reduced by a reduction in the number of early
motherhood scenarios. Another question of chief interest is whether early motherhood gives a
clean pathway for disadvantages in the future or whether it could be aa predominant indicator of
a previously disadvantaged family background.
As a result of deficiency in feasibility of controlled social experiments, studies seeking to dig
into the long term effects of teenage motherhood depend on observatory data (Hoffman, 2008).
Estimations for negative implications are always based on comparative analyses between
outcomes emanating from a teenage mother and those emanating from older mothers. Careful
interpretation of these evidences ought to prevail as in majority of cases, measurements only
associate teenage pregnancy and outcomes of interest instead of the real causal effect. Use of
observational data to establish causation also tends to cause complications. This is usually a
result of incidental confounding factors which are absent if data generated emanated from
randomised controlled trial. It has also been observed that majority of teenage mothers’ source
from backgrounds that are socioeconomically poor. On the contrast, mothers bearing children at
an advanced age usually have developed their careers before starting a family. Additionally,
tangible evidence indicates that some societal, individual and family traits could act as
predisposing factors (Babbie, 2015).

CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD 4
3. Research objectives
The research will be aiming at seeking answers to several queries. First, an estimate of the
total number of teenage mothers in Ipswich and Norwich will be obtained. Socioeconomic
background of the teenage mothers will be documented and therefore a relationship between
economic strength of families and levels of teenage pregnancies established. The research will
also unmask the main causes of teenage motherhood. In relation to this, the predisposing factors
will also be unveiled. It will also be possible to establish the population of teenage girls that is at
risk of getting pregnant at an early age. Contribution of the male gender towards teenage will be
unearthed. Following testimonials from sample teenage mothers, it will be possible to determine
the effects and impacts of teenage motherhood on the lives of the teenage mothers themselves,
their parents and siblings, the economy and to the society at large. Subsequently, following
recommendations, suggestions and views of the sampled population, relevant remedy to the issue
will be recommended.
4. Research Methodology and Methods
Several categories of people will be incorporated in the research to effect success in data
collection (Babbie, 2010). Teenage mothers will be at the heart of the research. To access them,
detail about their location will be searched from databases of various hospitals in Ipswich and
Norwich. Their selection will be based on their age at the time of birth. Data from various
hospitals will also be recorded to identify the number of teenage mothers who deliver their
children there. Data is also to be collected from doctors and midwives in the hospital settings to
seek their views on teenage motherhood as they have first-hand contact with teenage mothers
(Hilton, 2012). It will also be of great relevance to collect data from family members of teenage
mothers and find out the implication of the same on family affairs. Another stop will be on

CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD 5
various schools within the sampling zone to seek views from education administrators. It is from
here that the number of school drop outs due to teenage motherhood will be recoded.
Various methods will be used in collection of qualitative data from the sources named above
(Denscombe, 2012). A detailed explanation of the methods is outlined henceforth.
5.1.0 Research Interviews
Research interviews can be broadly categorized into three groups; structured interviews,
semi-structured interviews and unstructured interviews (Green & Thorogood, 2009). Basically,
structured interviews are questionnaires verbally administered. A number of pre-set questions
having little or no variation will be asked. They will also have no scope for Further elaboration
warranting from responses. Unstructured interviews on the other hand will not display any pre-
set ideas or theories. They will be performed based on little or no preparation and will basically
involve questions such as, “can you tell me your experience…” The flow will then be based on
the first response. These interviews are however time consuming and will require dedication of
much time and effort. Lastly, semi structured interviews will comprise of a few chief questions
that will aid in defining exploration areas. The interviewer however has room for divergence in
pursuance of a certain idea or to seek detailed clarification to a response. Since this approach
tends to be more flexible, it will facilitate elaboration and discoverability of details essential to
participants but had not been included in the questions.
5.1.1 Developing the Interview
Prior to conducting an interview, the respondents will have been informed all necessary
details regarding the study. Assurance will be given regarding ethical principles majorly
confidentiality and anonymity (Bowling, 2014). As a result, the respondents will have developed

CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD 6
expectations of the interview and will prepare accordingly for the same. Additionally, the
respondents are more likely to be honest and thus contribute to the success of the study.
The interviews will be conducted in disruption-free zones. Location and time of the
interview will be selected based on the convenience of the respondent. Rapport will also be
established with the participants as such subsequently have a positive effect on interview
development.
Before conducting the interview, it will be of great significance that I be in possession of
a repertoire of techniques and skills. Such skills will ensure collection of representative and
comprehensive data and thus overall productivity of the interview. One of the crucial skills will
be the ability to listen attentively so as to give respondents sufficient opportunity to recall past
experiences. All the interviews will however be recorded on tape to avoid any kind of biasness
and to secure permanent and referable source of what was said or not said.
5.2.0 Focus Groups
Focus groups are group discussions basing on a given topic (Crosby, et al., 2011). I will
therefore conduct several on them with various groups of sample population basing on the
research topic.
5.2.1 Conducting Focus Groups
The composition of each focus group will be selected with care. The groups to be
involved are; school students, school teachers, doctors and midwives. Each group discussion is to
be held independently and separately from each other to avoid influence and manipulation of
information. Teenage students will however be divided into two based on gender so as to get
comprehensive and detailed information from the female participants which they could be
reluctant to offer in presence of their male colleagues. Free interaction will be induced to effect

CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD 7
proper sourcing of information. Pre-existing groups will be recruited easily and could be handled
with less difficulties. In addition, it will be easier for such groups to disclose statuses/information
potential of causing stigmatisation
The size of the group will be chosen depending on location and convenience of the of the
participants (Bryman, 2016). Eight to ten respondents will be included in each group with a
general assumption that two participants will probably not attend. The questions will vary from
specific ones to those that are general in nature. The order of questions will be relative to
significance of the issues being discussed basing on the agenda of the research.
5.3.0 Questionnaires and surveys
Questionnaires will be administered to some selected samples of a population so as to
gain detailed distribution of attitudes, views and characteristics (Bowling, 2014). The general
assumption is that it is possible to accurately measure the information required from the
respondents through self-reporting. The questionnaires will entail questions with structured
categories for responses. Vigorous examination of the questions will be conducted to check on
face-validity, sequence, bias and clarity.
For sample surveys, a standardized format is used in collection of data precisely from a
population sample. This method will therefore be embarked on in my research to collect data
from large population samples. The major advantage of surveys is that they are effective when
studying social areas that sensitive ethically (Crosby, et al., 2011). They will therefore be
suitable for this research which is a public welfare topic. The survey results will be used to
statistically describe variability of information obtained amongst the whole population (Fink,
2012). The survey will pertain cross sectional measurements that will be conducted at a single
point. Analysis of data obtained will however involve quantitative measures.

CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD 8
6 Significance of the Study
By undertaking this research proposal, relevant information on causes, impacts and effects
of teenage motherhood will be obtained. Further on, the research will be back information
displayed in the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy Report that is published frequently by the UK
government. The research will also be useful to a variety of parties who will include; individual
families in Britain, the government, learning institutions, health facilities and counsellors.
Teenagers being at the centre of this study will gain crucial information relating to effects and
impacts of early motherhood, majority of which are negative. They will subsequently get
recommendations on how to evade the challenge. The major benefits to be accrued is that
information obtained will show how the categories mentioned above are affected by the findings
of the study. The parties will therefore be able to learn on potential remedies on how to curb
teenage motherhood and subsequently minimize the many odds that are associated with it. To the
larger community, the study will ethical standards as a wide variety of cultures deem teenage
motherhood as morally wrong. Researchers conducting similar studies in future will also source
a baseline for their studies from my research report.
7 Conclusion
After conducting the research to conclusion, it will possible to highlight majority of causes,
impacts and effects of teenage motherhood. First hand and unbiased data will be availed to end
users which will be of great significance to them. I will also have boosted the expertise and
competency levels for my own advantage while practicing my profession after fully undertaking
the study. Following the heavy weight of the mentioned advantages accruing from the study, its
approval will be of importance to all the benefiting categories of the population.

CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD 9
8 Appendix
8.1 Invitation letter
Date
Name
Address
Dear (name)
Study on causes, impacts and effects of teenage motherhood
I am a student undertaking (course) at (institution). As part of my programme and in attempt to
seeking long term remedy to occurrences of teenage motherhood, I am required to undertake a
study titled ‘Causes, Impacts and Effects of Teenage Motherhood.’
The aim of the study is to unveil the unexplored experiences that teenage mothers go through,
the societal view on teenage motherhood and the impact of the issue on education and later lives
of the affected and those in their close proximity. Information from this study will be used by a
wide variety of users for various purposes now and in the future. It is also from information
derived from the study that recommendation will be offered on the possible measures to curb all
the negative implication of teenage motherhood.
Therefore, your participation in this study is crucial and will be highly appreciated. I am inviting
people based in Ipswich and Norwich and those deemed to have prior experience through one
way or the other on the topic. If you consent to take part in this study, I will visit you at your
home at any time of your convenience. Subsequently, I will seek your involvement in three types
of activities namely; to fill a questionnaire, be a respondent in a research interview and

CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD 10
participation in focus groups. To suit your personal needs, adaptations such as including a family
member during interviews can be made at your request.
I will therefore contact you via mobile phone or a subsequent letter upon your acceptance to the
invitation in the near future so as to discuss the study in details and make appointments.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
(signature)

CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD 11
8.2 letter of continued participation
Date
Name
Address
Dear (name)
Study on causes, impacts and effects of teenage motherhood
( _ ) months/ weeks/ days ago, you approved your participation in the study on the Causes,
Impacts and Effects of Teenage Motherhood. I would therefore wish to express my sincere
gratitude for agreeing to sacrifice your time and provide us with relevant information as
requested. As communicated previously, you will be involved in one, two or all three types of
activities which are; completing a questionnaire, being the respondent in a research interview and
participating in focus groups.
The purpose of writing this letter is to inform you that the next phase of the study has already
begun and I am at data collection stage. I would therefore like to make arrangements for visiting
your home for interviews as well as seeking to know the most appropriate time for you for the
same. For convenience purposes and to minimize costs, delivering questionnaires at your door
step would be cumbersome and the exercise will therefore be undertaken via digital platforms
such as emails. Time taken for interviews will be solely dependent on your comfort.
It is also to my understanding that certain individuals could be having memory or health
problems and if you are in any of the aforementioned category, feel free as you will also be
treated with consideration.

CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD 12
It is my sincere hope that you will continue to show cooperation as up to this level and
information from you will be highly appreciated.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
(sign)

CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD 13
8.2 Consent form
CONSENT FORM FOR PARTICIPATION IN STUDY OF CAUSE, IMPACTS AND
EFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD.
You are hereby invited to be part of the research study on causes, impacts and effects of teenage
motherhood. Invited participants are teenage mothers, their family members (Parents and
siblings) and medical practitioners. You may have previously participated in other research
studies or not and either case is acceptable. This form therefore is an entailment of a process
known as “informed consent” which gives you clear understanding of the study before you can
make your decision on whether to take part in it or not.
Background
The chief aim of this study is to access information relating to causes, impacts and effects of
teenage motherhood. After establishing the fore mentioned, relevant recommendations will be
offered to various parties on how to remedy negative effects attributable with the issue.
Procedures
If you agree to be part of the study, you will be required to undertake one, two or all of the
following three activities.
1. Complete questionnaires
2. Be the respondent in a research interview
3. Participate in focus groups
Risks and benefits of participating in the study
By participating in this study, your wellbeing and safety will not be at any risk. You however
risk being countered by fatigue. You will additionally benefit by airing your experiences,
thoughts and concerns regarding the issue.

CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD 14
Payment
Following the voluntary nature of participation into this study, no form of compensation or
payment will be made whatsoever.
Privacy
All information to be sourced from you will be maintained as anonymous. Your personal
information and contact will not be displayed in any part of the research report and will not be
used for any other reason beyond this research study. As required by the university, the
information will be stored for ( ) years.
Statement of consent
I have thoroughly read the information above and understood it. My understanding on the study
will therefore help me accept participation on the study. By signing bellow, I verify my
involvement into the study out of my free will.
NAME
SIGN

CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD 15
8.3Interview schedule
I. Opening
a) Rapport establishment (shake hands). My name is … an (undergraduate/
doctorate… etc.) student of (institution). Thank you for availing this opportunity
which I believe will be of significance to many.
b) Purpose. It is my pleasure to ask you some questions regarding your experiences
as a teenage mother/ medical practitioner/ relative to a teenage mother.
c) Motivation. The information provided by you will be used for drawing
conclusions regarding the study and therefore be of significance to various
categories of end users
d) Time. About 20 minutes will be spent in the interview. Is the timeline suitable for
you?
II. Body (for teenage mothers)
a) How old are you?
b) How many children do you have?
c) At what age did you bear your first child?
d) Were you at school when you became pregnant?
e) Did you resume school after the child attained considerable age?
f) What were your parent’s reaction when they realized you were pregnant?
g) Were your parents and siblings supportive?
h) How did your schoolmates/ classmates view you when you became pregnant?
i) Upon resuming school, were your teachers supportive and welcoming?

CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD 16
j) Have you ever been in any kind of a stigmatizing confrontation? Please give
detailed explanation.
k) How did the whole ordeal influence your education?
l) What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
III. Closing
What advice could you give to teenage girls with no experience of being a teenage
mother. What is your general view on the whole issue?
Thank you for your cooperation.

CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD 17
8.4 Questionnaires
8.4.1 Questionnaire for teenage mothers
PUBLIC HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE.
As part of my (doctoral/undergraduate…etc.) programme being pursued at (institution), I am
required to undertake a research project on the topic ‘Causes, Impacts and Effects of Teenage
Motherhood.’ For successful completion of the study, I am hereby appealing to you to aid in data
collection by your participation and offering relevant data on the aforementioned issue. Please
dedicate some few minutes of your time and fill out this questionnaire. Your honesty and
cooperation will be highly appreciated. Completing this questionnaire is completely voluntary
and can only therefore be undertaken out of free will.
Please tick or answer as appropriate
1. At what age did you deliver your first baby
13 years
14 years
15 years
16 years
17 years
18 years
19 years
2. Did you get pregnant out of free will or by accident?
Free will
By accident
3. If it was not out of free will, please give the main cause. E.g. drug influence etc…

CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD 18
4. Were you a student when you became pregnant?
Yes
No
5. If yes, at what level of education were you?
Secondary level
Tertiary level
6. did the father of the child accept responsibility over the child?
Yes
No
7. Are you an orphan?
Yes
No
8. If no, were your parents supportive during your pregnancy
yes
no
9. Do you recall any time your parent uttered any statements that negatively affected you
psychologically?
Yes
No
10. If yes, please write an overview of the utterances made based on what you can recall
11. have you ever received any kind of stigmatizing utterance from any of your schoolmates?

CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD 19
Yes
No
12. If yes, please give a brief overview of the utterances
13. After delivering you baby, did you resume schooling?
Yes
No
14. If yes, were the teachers at school welcoming and supportive?
Yes
No
15. if you never resumed school, what was the main cause of the same?
16. Basing on your experience during pregnancy and after delivery, what could be your
advice to teenage girls?
I hereby express my sincere gratitude for sacrificing your time and filling out this questionnaire.

CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD 20
8.7 Timetable
Time frame for study of Causes, Impacts and Effects of Teenage Motherhood.
Activity Allocated Timeline
Development of all e-
portfolio documents
1 week
Sending of all questionnaires 1 day
Receiving of questionnaires 2 weeks
Planning and conducting all
interviews
3 months
Planning and conducting all
focus groups
3 months
Recording and analysing data 5 weeks

CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD 21
9. References
Arai, L., 2009. Teenage Pregnancy: The Making and Unmaking of a Problem. s.l.:Policy Press.
Babbie, E. R., 2010. The Basics of Social Research. 4 ed. s.l.:Cengage Learning.
Babbie, E. R., 2015. The Practice of Social Research. 14 ed. s.l.:Cengage Learning.
Boucher, D., 2013. The Big Society in a Small Country. s.l.:Institute of Welsh Affairs.
Bowling, A., 2014. Research Methods in Health: Investigating Health and Health Services.
s.l.:McGraw-Hill Education (UK).
Bryman, A., 2016. Social Research Methods. illustrated ed. s.l.:Oxford University Press.
Cherry, A. L. & Dillon, M. E., 2014. International Handbook of Adolescent Pregnancy:
Medical, Psychosocial, and Public Health Responses. illustrated ed. s.l.:Springer Science &
Business Media.
Coles, L. & Porter, E., 2009. Public Health Skills: A Practical Guide for nurses and public
health practitioners. s.l.:John Wiley & Sons.
Crosby, R. A., DiClemente, R. J. & Salazar, L. F., 2011. Research Methods in Health
Promotion. illustrated ed. s.l.:John Wiley & Sons.
Denscombe, M., 2012. Research Proposals: A Practical Guide. illustrated ed. s.l.:McGraw-Hill
Education (UK).
Fink, A., 2012. How to Conduct Surveys: A Step-by-Step Guide: A Step-by-Step Guide.
s.l.:SAGE Publications, .
Green, J. & Thorogood, N., 2009. Qualitative Methods for Health Research. reprint ed.
s.l.:SAGE.
Hilton, T. L., 2012. Using National Data Bases in Educational Research. s.l.:Routledge.

CAUSES, IMPACTS AND EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD 22
Hoffman, S. D., 2008. Kids Having Kids: Economic Costs & Social Consequences of Teen
Pregnancy. illustrated ed. s.l.:The Urban Insitute.
O’GRADY, S., 2018. Teenage pregnancy rates at their lowest levels since records began in
1969. s.l.:s.n.