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The current study investigated the experiences of unwed adolescent mothers in faith communities, the Roman Catholic Church in particular. The study was motivated by the fact that, despite the Christian sexual ethic, which prohibits sex outside wedlock, many young unmarried women in faith communities do become pregnant. The study thus sought to investigate the lived experiences of these young women, their psychological and social experiences of unwed motherhood in the church community. Factors contributing to teenage pregnancy, sources of social support and possible intervention mechanisms were also explored. A semi-structured interview schedule was developed, and thirteen (13) participants ranging in age from 18-22 years were interviewed individually and in focus groups. The results indicate that unwed teenage mothers in faith communities experience a range of psychological and social experiences, including frustration, feelings of depression, social exclusion and discrimination by fellow church congregants. Stigma theory and stigma consciousness were used to account for these experiences. Peer pressure and gendered power relations were cited among the causes of unwed teenage pregnancy, while payment of damages and re-admission to the community of believers following a confession were cited among the sources of social support. The study concludes that sex education and communication between parents and their teenage girls are essential in dealing with the problem of unwed teenage pregnancy. The study concludes with recommendations for practice and further research. / Thesis (M.A.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2009.

It is not an uncommon feature anymore to find young mothers in Venda secondary schools busy with their studies. These young mothers, referred to as schoolgirl mothers in this investigation, do however, battle in general with their studies and experience problems different from those of ordinary schoolgirls. It was, therefore, decided to launch an investigation into the problems related to the learning situation of such schoolgirl mothers. The formation of relationships by the adolescent has been used as a point of departure for this study. Contrary to expectations, the empirical investigation has revealed that schoolgirl mothers maintain basically good relationships with themselves, their studies and others. On the other hand, their academic achievements are significantly lower than those of ordinary schoolgirls. Further research is necessary to shed more light on the situatedness of schoolgirl mothers in general and in Venda secondary schools in particular. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

It is not an uncommon feature anymore to find young mothers in Venda secondary schools busy with their studies. These young mothers, referred to as schoolgirl mothers in this investigation, do however, battle in general with their studies and experience problems different from those of ordinary schoolgirls. It was, therefore, decided to launch an investigation into the problems related to the learning situation of such schoolgirl mothers. The formation of relationships by the adolescent has been used as a point of departure for this study. Contrary to expectations, the empirical investigation has revealed that schoolgirl mothers maintain basically good relationships with themselves, their studies and others. On the other hand, their academic achievements are significantly lower than those of ordinary schoolgirls. Further research is necessary to shed more light on the situatedness of schoolgirl mothers in general and in Venda secondary schools in particular. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

The purpose of this study was to explore possible problems associated with pregnancy amongst student nurses in the Northern Province, and to determine whether their studies were adversely affected by their pregnancies. This study was designed as a quantitative, exploratory descriptive survey to look into the pregnancies of a specific group of students exploring their experiences in the classrooms and in the clinical areas. During 1998 data was collected by distributing questionnaires to ninety three pregnant . student nurses. Sixty-seven (71,0%) of student nurses fell pregnant because they lacked knowledge about contraceptives. Four-six (49,5%) of the respondents delayed seeking antenatal care, although they needed advice and support. Whilst fifty-eight (62,4%) of the respondents suffered from minor ailments such as tiredness, pre-eclampsia, early bleeding prior to three months pregnancy, and dizziness. Fifty-eight (62,4%) of the respondents encountered problems with their academic progress, as revealed by decreasing marks scored before, during, and after delivery. Student nurses would willingly avail themselves of guidance, advice and support during their pregnancies if they could access such services. / Advanced Nursing Science / M.A.(Nursing Science)

The purpose of this study was to explore possible problems associated with pregnancy amongst student nurses in the Northern Province, and to determine whether their studies were adversely affected by their pregnancies. This study was designed as a quantitative, exploratory descriptive survey to look into the pregnancies of a specific group of students exploring their experiences in the classrooms and in the clinical areas. During 1998 data was collected by distributing questionnaires to ninety three pregnant . student nurses. Sixty-seven (71,0%) of student nurses fell pregnant because they lacked knowledge about contraceptives. Four-six (49,5%) of the respondents delayed seeking antenatal care, although they needed advice and support. Whilst fifty-eight (62,4%) of the respondents suffered from minor ailments such as tiredness, pre-eclampsia, early bleeding prior to three months pregnancy, and dizziness. Fifty-eight (62,4%) of the respondents encountered problems with their academic progress, as revealed by decreasing marks scored before, during, and after delivery. Student nurses would willingly avail themselves of guidance, advice and support during their pregnancies if they could access such services. / Advanced Nursing Science / M.A.(Nursing Science)