Family Formation Expectations and Early Pregnancy in Mexican Adolescents

Abstract

Factors that have a bearing on adolescent pregnancies have been widely documented worldwide. However, rarely has the adolescents' own perception on the ideal timing to transit into adulthood-related events, such as family formation, been considered. Neither has it been widely investigated if these aspirations are linked to the risk of early pregnancies. Using data from a cross-sectional study with a sample of adolescents in Mexico City and Morelos, Mexico, we explored expectations regarding the ideal timing for family formation (marriage and childbearing) and their link to sexual behavior. We surveyed 3,332 adolescents in eight middle schools and high schools. Four types of aspirations were identified: (a) early plan: desire to marry at age 21 and have children at 22; (b) middle plan: desire to marry and have children at ages 25 and 26 respectively; (c) late plan: desire for a stable partner at age 29 and children at 31; and (d) non-traditional plan: adolescents that do not want to marry and/or have children. Those adolescents that aspire to postpone family formation particularly until 29 years of age (late plan) are more likely to report condom use at first intercourse and to have fewer sexual relations during all their life. Adolescents' expectations about their life in the future affect their present sexual and reproductive decisions. Identifying their aspirations should enhance the design of more viable and successful policy strategies to prevent adolescent pregnancies.

Family Formation and Career Development Future Plans of Students from Marginalized Localities in Central Mexico

“…Rather than a causal effect where sexual behavior influence the future plans, the reversed may be the case; that is, this association can be reflecting that family-centered plans motivates sexual intercourse. In support of this hypothesis, previous research in Mexico has shown that plans to delay the formation of a family protects men from engaging in sexual intercourse, with an unclear influence on women (Atienzo et al, 2015).…”

“…While overall few students desire a pregnancy before their 20s, finding a group that today prioritizes family formation for their future confirms that maternity and paternity are central elements in the configuration of their identity (Näslund-Hadley & Binstock, 2010). A risk is implied either because continuing with their education is not their priority, or because expressing family formation goals early in life increases the risk of early parenthood (Atienzo, Campero, Herrera, & Lozada, 2015; Rocca, Doherty, Padian, Hubbard, & Minnis, 2010; Salmela-Aro et al, 2007).…”

“…In this study, parents’ support was built as a measure of general parents’ general involvement in different daily activities with their adolescent children. Perhaps, rather than general companionship, it is the transmission of aspirations and expectations for their children that has a greater influence in shaping future plans (Atienzo et al, 2015; Bandura et al, 2001; Keijer, Liefbroer, & Nagel, 2018), which may explain the lack of more consistent associations. Either way, this finding suggests that gendered socialization practices take place among these families.…”

Exploring Planned Parenthood, Teen Pregnancy, and Policy—A Systematic Literature Review

“…Perhaps requiring parent involvement could deter youth participation in risky behaviors (Silk & Romero, 2014). Atienzo et al, (2015) purported that future life plans and education could delay child-bearing. Consequently, "To prevent early pregnancy, teachers need to be sensitized to give preventive messages, which implies designing specific training methods so they can promote standards of sexual and reproductive rights" (p. 2518).…”

“…For example, Atienzo et al (2015) surveyed middle and high school adolescents and identified four types of aspirations for pregnancy: (a) early plan-marry by 21 and have children at 22; (b) middle plan-be married at 25 and have children at 26; (c) late plan-stable partner at 29 and have children at 31; and (d) non-traditional plan-do not want to marry and/or have children (p. 2509). Adolescents desire for a future may affect their present sexual and reproductive decisions.…”