This study compared level of stress in pregnant and in parenting adolescentfemales and identified the strongest predictors of overall stress and of various sources of stress. Questionnaire datafrom 60 pregnant and 92 parenting females enrolled in 15 programs for pregnant and parenting adolescents were used. No differences were found in overall stress orsources of stress between the two groups. For pregnant adolescents, esteem was a significant predictor of overall stress, stress from deviant behaviors, and stress from "general distress." Frequent use of coping strategies and age also were significant predictors of stressfrom autonomyfor pregnant adolescents. For parenting adolescents, satisfaction with social support was the sole predictor of overall stress and stress stemmingfrom autonomy. The findings are discussed and recommendations for programs to address the unique needs of pregnant and of parenting adolescents are emphasized.
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