Psychology Of A Teen "Pregnancy Pact"

The disturbing news that a "pregnancy pact" among teenage girls at Gloucester High School has resulted in at least 17 of them becoming pregnant, with one of the fathers apparently a homeless man, has people asking how such a pact could have come about. ABC News examines the underlying psychology:

"Teen pact behavior -- whether to get pregnant or to commit suicide -- has the same underlying characteristics," notes Dr. Carole Lieberman, Beverly Hills psychiatrist and a clinical faculty member at UCLA. "The act the teenagers conjure up together is forbidden and self-destructive, and therefore must be kept secret..."

..."The members of the pact develop trust, camaraderie and rebelliousness by sharing this secret," Lieberman says. "These bonds then impel them to commit the forbidden act that they wouldn't have the courage to do on their own..."

..."There is no doubt that the media influence people -- consciously and unconsciously -- to copycat what is portrayed, whether it's to become violent or to become pregnant," Lieberman says. "Movies like 'Juno' or 'Knocked Up,' soap operas, and pregnant teen celebrities like Jamie Lynn Spears make teen girls believe that getting pregnant is cool, regardless of your age, and whether you love -- or even know -- the father."

The other element that some say may have come into play is the copycat factor -- a phenomenon in which young viewers imitate what they see in the media. One illustration of this principle occurred in 1993; some who had watched the film "The Program," imitated a scene in the movie in which high school football players lay on the center line of a highway to test their courage. One of these real-life imitators died after being struck by a car.

Comments

[Trueheart]

Parents? Having lived in Gloucester for many years, I can say that odds are most of these girls' parents got married and started families right out of high school. Mine did. What's different here is that the girls can get pregnancy tests from the school nurse, have their babies, take them to the school's free daycare center, and continue their education. Some of them will probably get married, while others will turn to the welfare system. I'm conflicted about this because having a baby when you are young is not the worst thing that can happen to you, and it is disturbing to hear people react like this is a death sentence. My own mother went back to school and became a professional. By the way, the inside skinny I am getting from friends in Gloucester is that there was no "pact" among the girls.

[justkd]

I'm sorry but I'm shocked, because I haven't seen any mention of the teens' parents. ?

[Gifts]

I don't think handing out birth control in public schools is the answer. Why not look at the some of the local programs they have and find out their success stories. Seems like that community already has some resources they can tap into, rather than punishing all the girls and their families by passing out birth control that some families would prefer to teach their children about on their own. Seems like again, we are asking the schools to do more than they can be accountable for and overstepping their role into the world of parenting. Instead we have the media glorify this story to push birth control in public schools.

Example of a Grant and Program already in their area.

GoGirlGo! Grants 1 Million Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center - Gloucester, MA

The GoGirlGo Project is a unique program that educates girls about health risk behaviors and life lessons. The accompanying grant program awards organizations that provides opportunities for girls in areas under-served by sports programs and girls in economically disadvantaged areas.

[egal]

Well, obviously the media has more influence over children than parents do, duh.

It's easiest to accuse the media for the socially unacceptable behavior of those not fully mature, but those who act out like this would find something to emulate no matter what they saw in the movies, for example. Around the time novels were starting to be recognized, or even in Socrates' laments, you'll see similar actions to prove that such behavior is a product not of media but of youth and a desire to act out in the same way as someone admired, real or fantasy.

Parents are a tougher call.

On the one hand, parents lose power over children in teenage years, when peers become the biggest influence and teens may intentionally keep their parents in the dark about their actions nd thoughts, and act out in defiance of their morals and restrictions. Most people will follow what's popular or what their peers are doing rather than be left out of emulating or looking good to their self-decided social authority.

There's seldom any point in accusing the parents because they probably feel like they didn't do enough even though the sad truth is that their kids chose a more publicly noticed means of rebellion than some, but did nothing really different than any other teens.

[ALC]

Doesn't really have anything to do with all this pshycological BS about teens. It's just another example of how we have no shortage of dumb people in this country. This school obviously has at least 17 girls that fit that description. To decide to make a life-changing event by deliberately getting pregnant without thinking of the consequences is stupid. No deep explanation or lame excuses required.

[ESerafina42]

You're not counting the ones who didn't succeed, and of course I doubt that all 17 were part of this "pact," since from what I've heard 4 is the average number at that school.

[Truye]

Suuure, blame the media. I read somewhere (from a newspaper, but which one I can't remember) that the girls wanted to get pregnant so they could "be loved unconditionally". I don't think that has to do with "Juno" or "Knocked Up". I think it has to do with being a depressed teenager who feels like no one loves them (which could be true or could be in their head). You know, there are plenty of teenagers who watched those movies and they didn't make a pregnancy pact...

[LeftLeftLeft]

Where is the surprise in this? Don't blame the movies. Don't blames the schools or the teachers. Teens have acted irrationally since time began, I am sure. I can't but help think they are experiencing a cross between being confused, discouraged, angry, and fearful living in a time, in a world which does not seem to have room for them, hope for them, meaning for them, or a place for them to live out any dreams they may have ever had.

It is sad, self-destructive behavior. Like cutting. Like drugs,. Like suicide.

The greater sadness is that our society does not seem to have any idea what to do about it.

[buckbuck11]

Did anybody else notice the school mascot, "Home of the Fighting Fisherman?"

Indeed.

[Daughter2]

First reaction also is "And where are the parents?!" But at that age, the peer pull is very strong. And I don't think they actually thought through the intricacies of the welfare system. . . Maybe it's that the contemporary teenage brain isn't fully developed (according to experts) and they are making impulsive, crazy decisions? So many factors. But this is terrible problem which will ripple from them and their stupid act, to the children and into society.

[enoughalready13]

This is so disturbing on so many levels. Our country was once one of optimism and endless opportunity, both for work, education and community outreach. At one time, people could actually live and support themselves on minimum wages and lower paying jobs.

Now, basic need costs have outpaced salaries, job opportunities and advancement. The longer the govt postpones SS benefits, the longer people have to work, the less jobs becomes available and the slower the pace of advancement. Similarly, the more programs they cut for job training, scholarships, and family planning, the less informed these kids are. Television and media glorify taking the easy way out - hard work, paying ones dues, having things to look forward to are all of the past. The younger generations want everything yesterday or now, without the patience, understanding, foresight or fortitude to work for anything anymore. It is sad ... really, really sad.

Where are these parents in all this? Why can't they be held accountable? Where are the teachers? What are they teaching in these schools? Where are the MA govt programs? Where is the morality in this community?

[Uniqua]

Actually edpell, you are completely uninformed. These girls live in Massachusetts, which is a state of welfare reform. They will not be able to survive on welfare benefits longer than two years in a row, and not more than five years altogether. The fact that they are pregnant and giving birth before the age of 18 only ensures perhaps another year of support before these rules kick in. The waiting list for section 8 housing is probably 2.5 to 3 years, so by the time their name comes up on the list, they may qualify, but only because they will be locked into a minimum wage job, unable to get out from under the poverty they've created for themselves for another 20 years or so. The problem is the lack of education in our country, and the perpetuation that women are committing murder when they end a pregnancy....They will work edpell, much more than you or I probably ever will. Far more than you will ever allow your consciousness to recognize....don't resent them for having less then you, they do and always will

[edpell]

And we will have to pay to raise the kids food stamps, medicaid, section 8 housing, etc. I would say they were smart they avoided the whole work thing and put it on you and me. My hat is off to you girls. You scammed the system. As job leave forever to low cost countries more Americans will have to find ways to survive. This one is a classic for blacks and how a classic for whites.

[Jinxykb]

They couldn't make a pact to nick a lipstick like normal teenage girls?

[larry278]

Whomever told you that teenagers of any gender are normal was lying.