| Abstract: | A group of women social scientists and mental health practitioners formed the nucleus of a research project designed to address unacceptably high levels of adolescent pregnancy in Chicago. A central concern was the dilemma teenagers face in contraceptive decision making of balancing self-interests with the need for acceptance by others. To increase teenagers' sense of control over their lives, the group designed a program of 12 weekly meetings for groups of 10-20 adolescent girls. The groups were led by 2-4 peer leaders assisted by 1 professional adult. Each session was organized around a specific topic (e.g., birth control, abortion, teen pregnancy, teenage parenting) and utilized exercises that reinforced appropriate decision making and self-care. Also utilized were techniques for fostering a cost-benefit analysis of the decision to be sexually active. Group leaders supported reserving sexual activity for meaningful relationships and using contraception to delay childbearing until adulthood, but acknowledged the positive and negative consequences of these positions. Peer leaders were invaluable in embodying the message that adolescent girls can think, share ideas, and responsibly function in the sphere of sexual activity. Focused interviews with these peer leaders, conducted 6-12 months after the intervention, indicated they were helped by training sessions, pregroup consultations with the staff, the presence of a professional in the group, and the session outlines. The group's emphasis on control and responsibility for one's decisions seemed to be far more effective than more manipulative interventions that simply tell girls not to be sexually active. |
