The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess the thoughts, feelings, and actions of pregnant teens at significant decision-making times: time of intercourse, confirmation of pregnancy, and six weeks post delivery. Factors associated with adolescent pregnancy and patterns of behavior were analyzed.

Examination of the extant literature on adolescent pregnancy yielded insight into parental, socio-economic, and partner factors. The interview protocol emanated from the literature analysis. The interaction of these factors on the thoughts, feelings, and actions of female teens was the focus of the study.

Data from personal recurrent interviews of pregnant teens over a four-month period served as the basis for analyzing thoughts, feelings, and actions. Analysis of individual and group thoughts, feelings, and actions generated behavior patterns relevant to each of the three decision-making times.