Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1977.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1974.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1977.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1980.

No description available.

This descriptive study compared life events in the lives of pregnant (n = 23) and non-pregnant (n = 23) adolescents using a developmental model. A 51-item life events checklist adapted from Robbins (1981) and Johnson and McCutcheon (1980) was used to identify occurrence and perception (good or bad) of life events. Mean ages were 17.3 (pregnant) an 17.0 (non-pregnant). Ethnic representation was Hispanic (n = 28), Anglo (n = 14), American Indian (n = 2), and Black (n = 2). One pregnant and seven non-pregnant adolescents were employed. Thirty-nine adolescents lived with their parents, and seven lived on their own. Pregnancy of sister or close friend, an increased number of arguments between parents, a change in parents' financial status, and trouble with brother or sister were reported by more than 50% of the total. No significant difference existed in either the total number or perception of life events between groups. In addition, the developmental adaptation categories revealed no significant statistical difference.

A replication of "Stresses Experienced by Primiparous Women in the First Two Weeks Postpartum" (Wolfel, 1986) was undertaken to identify stressors experienced by women in the first 2 weeks postpartum and to compare results with the original study. Because of changes in the standard of care, a study replication was desirable. The replication sample consisted of 20 primiparous women who completed the Postpartum Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), a new tool developed by Wolfel. Descriptive data displayed the existence of stress. Analysis of variance, t tests, and correlation coefficients were used to find significant correlations between demographic characteristics and PSQ responses. Age correlated positively with stress. Married women reported stress in physiological and psychological areas. Women who had a miscarriage were more likely to exhibit postpartal stress. No relationship was found between PSQ and variables of previous experience with child care, length of hospital stay, use of pain medication, or prenatal caretaker.

This qualitative study explores instrumental aid as social support in family crises. Focus group interviews were conducted with six groups of women to explore their thoughts and feelings about giving and receiving instrumental aid. Women gave many examples of instrumental aid, stating it was important, but only helpful if it met a recognized need. Mutual definition of need appears to be negotiated informally within group or family memberships, as well as more formally using society's manners and customs. Individual and community resources were mentioned frequently. Affirmation of one's perceptions of an event also contributes to definition of a need. Social support is an interactive process; several women gave examples of a "state of shock" following a death and other circumstances that left a person unable to acknowledge aid.

No description available.