Advantages and disadvantages of pregnancy and contraception: Teenagers' perceptions

Research has shown that teenagers' perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of pregnancy and contraception are significant predictors of pregnancy risk taking. This analysis examines the content and determinants of these cost-benefit sets, using data from 425 sexually active adolescents. The results indicate that teens' perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of pregnancy and contraception are neither strongly nor systematically related to each other. Moreover, the determinants of the four cost-benefit sets are varied, although there is some overlap between sets. Explanations of these findings and implications for future research and for the delivery of family planning services to teenagers are suggested.The authors names are listed alphabetically. The work reported herein was supported by an NICHD grant No. 1 R01-HD-1485-01. Direct all communication to Debra Kalmuss, Center for Population and Family Health, Columbia University, 60 Haven Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10032.