Pregnancy and Motherhood Among Adolescent Girls in Child Protective Services: A Meta-Synthesis of Qualitative Research

Abstract

The objective of the current study was to produce a meta-synthesis of the existent qualitative research on pregnant or mothering adolescents who have been in the custody of child protective services. Seven overarching themes emerged from analyzing 17 qualitative studies: (1) infant filling an emotional void; (2) lack of consistent education and lack of sexual education; (3) motherhood adversities; (4) mistrust of others and social stigma; (5) perception of motherhood as positive and stabilizing; (6) internal strengths and wanting to do better; and (7) supports as contributing to positive motherhood experience. Findings are discussed in the context of the risk and resilience framework. Implications for research and practice are addressed.