Abstract Summary
This research examines the impact of race, income, age, education level, and sexual activity on the likelihood of teenage pregnancy. The hypothesis presented was that teenagers from African American communities and low socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to have teenage pregnancies than Caucasian women, or women of higher socioeconomic status. During this research, it was determined that various factors would contribute to these findings, including how likely teenagers are to engage in sexual behavior, how positively or negatively they view teenage pregnancy, their income bracket, how their friends and families view teenage pregnancy, and their level of education. Secondary data analyses were conducted using the “Relationship Dynamics and Social Life” study. The sample size was 1,003 young adults ranging in age from 18 to 20. We hypothesized that teenagers in lower income communities and members of minority groups would be at higher risk of teenage pregnancy. Results of the research can inform efforts to prevent teenage pregnancy.
