EFFECTS OF TEENAGE MOTHERHOOD ON PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING: A CASE OF TEENAGE MOTHERS IN KAKINGA SUBCOUNTY, BUNYANGABU DISTRICT
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Date
2026-03-30
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Uganda Christian University
Abstract
Teenage motherhood remains a significant public health and social concern, particularly in
developing countries where teenage girls often experience early pregnancy and childbearing.
This study examined the effects of teenage motherhood on the psychological wellbeing of
teenage mothers in Kakinga Sub-County, Bunyangabu District, Uganda.
The study adopted a mixed-methods cross-sectional research design combining both
quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected from fifty teenage mothers
through structured questionnaires, while additional insights were obtained through key
informant interviews and focus group discussions involving health workers, community
leaders, and social workers. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such
as frequencies and percentages, while qualitative data were analyzed through thematic
analysis.
The findings revealed that a significant proportion of teenage mothers experience
psychological distress manifested through stress, anxiety, sadness, and reduced self-esteem.
Financial hardship, school dropout, parenting stress, and community stigma emerged as the
major challenges affecting their emotional wellbeing. Despite these challenges, family support
and religious engagement were identified as key coping mechanisms that help teenage
mothers manage emotional stress.
The study concludes that teenage motherhood significantly affects the psychological
wellbeing of adolescent mothers due to limited social-support and psychosocial support
services. The study therefore recommends strengthening community-based counseling
services, expanding adolescent-friendly mental health programs, promoting educational
reintegration for teenage mothers, and enhancing community sensitization initiatives to reduce
stigma
Description
Undergraduate