Adolescent pregnancy prevention: A review of interventions and programs

Adolescent pregnancy is a significant social concern. Although rates of adolescent pregnancy have decreased in recent years, they are higher than in any other industrialized nation. Adolescent pregnancy increases the risk of negative consequences for mothers and their children. With little theory to guide practice, pregnancy prevention programs have had little success. The most effective programs have extended beyond reproductive health to include life options, such as education and job skills. Future research is needed to understand factors that predispose teens to early childbearing and to develop developmentally and culturally appropriate disincentives to pregnancy. Roles for psychologists are reviewed in program development, evaluation, and implementation.