Date of Completion

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Keywords

Adolescents

Abstract

Purpose Statement This study sought to describe the experiences of women who were once adolescent mothers. The participants were asked the grand tour question: “What were your experiences of being an adolescent mother? (Ano ang iyong mga naging karanasan sa pagiging isang ina sa murang edad?)

Scope, Delimitation, and Limitations This study was conducted through face-to-face interviews to describe the experiences of women who were once adolescent mothers during their 15-19 years of age. The participants were chosen based on the following criteria: (a) 20-25 years old; (b) with experience of being an adolescent biological mother and willing to share their experiences; (c) natural-born Filipino with current residency in the Philippines; (d) with no mental health concern beyond minimal anxiety, which was assessed using the General Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire and with a score in the range of 0-4 (GAD-7) (Spitzer et al., 2006); and, (e) their disclosure of the motherhood experience will not compromise any legal proceedings. Demographic details, such as marital status, socioeconomic status, number of children, and age at onset of motherhood, were not considered in choosing the participants. However, such details were still collected for they may be significant in data analysis. The cause of the pregnancy leading to adolescent motherhood was not also considered in the choice of the participants. Mothers who are diagnosed with any mental health disorder and/or undergoing any treatment for mental health disorder were not included in the study.

Methodology This study aimed to describe the experience of motherhood as an adolescent retrospectively using a qualitative descriptive approach. The researchers conducted face-to-face semi-structured interviews with the participants, which were recorded and transcribed. After transcription, significant codes were identified, and themes were formed.

Findings The findings of this study resulted in a total of 104 significant statements and the identification of five (5) themes. The first theme, “Labor and Delivery,” presents the experiences expressed by the participants during their delivery. The second theme, “Caring for the Baby,” discusses the experiences described by the participants in caring for their baby. The third theme, “Building Identity,” discusses participants’ experiences with identity formation amidst early motherhood, emphasizing the significance of stigmatization on participants’ experiences. The fourth theme, “Resilience,” has major significance for the participants' resilience as they identify their obstacles, emphasize their strengths, develop support systems, and empower themselves, all contributing to their success in achieving their goals. The fifth theme, “Realization, Regrets, and Learning,” delves into the insights gained by adolescent mothers regarding their early experiences of motherhood. It discusses how becoming mothers at a young age shapes their understanding of themselves and the world around them.

First Advisor

Nenette A. de Leon, RN, MAN

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