StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

Relation between Self-Esteem, Sexual Activity, and Pregnancy - Essay Example

Cite this document
Summary
The paper "Relation between Self-Esteem, Sexual Activity, and Pregnancy" states that while studying the research, the reader is able to connect how the authors arrive at the conclusion that parental and teacher support usually contributes to higher self-esteem levels among teenagers…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER96.4% of users find it useful
Relation between Self-Esteem, Sexual Activity, and Pregnancy
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "Relation between Self-Esteem, Sexual Activity, and Pregnancy"

Article review: The relation between self-esteem, sexual activity, and pregnancy al affiliation Article review: The relation between self-esteem, sexual activity, and pregnancy Brief summary of the study The article “The relation between self-esteem, sexual activity, and pregnancy” is based on a research by Robinson & Frank (1994) which is basically and examination of self-esteem levels contribute towards sexual activity and the resultant increase in pregnancies among teenagers. Robinson & Frank (1994) hypothesize that teenage males who are active sexually usually have higher self-esteem levels over those males who are non-active sexually. Secondly, the research also theorizes that sexually active teenage females report lower self-esteem levels than non-active females. The third hypothesis holds that pregnant teenagers have higher self-esteem than those who are not pregnant. Finally, Robinson & Frank (1994) theorize that higher self-esteem levels are reported among male teenagers that have fathered children as compared to those who have not fathered any children. Analysis of the literature review used in this research The literature review section of this research is not biased as it covers both the literature that supports the hypotheses and other literature that is against the hypotheses. For example, Robinson & Frank (1994) are of the opinion that current measures being used to fight teenage pregnancies are not effective. In fact, a study by Hepfer (1998) is cited as having proved that interventions such as sex education are not effective in reducing teenage pregnancy, thus the need for programs focusing on teenage self-esteem. The hypothesis that sexually active teenage males and those who have fathered a child have more self-esteem than non-sexually males and those who have no fathered children is also supported by literature. According to Robinson & Frank (1994) research by Friedman & Castiglia (1990) shows that males tend to assert their masculinity by being sexually active and fathering children. However, a research by Dilorio & Riley (1998) found no relation between low self-esteem, loneliness, and pregnancy. To support this finding further, Robinson & Frank also cite Meyer (1991) who found no relationship between self esteem, fathering of children and sexual activity among teenage males. The ethical considerations for data collection process The study sampled 287 participants drawn from two high schools that were university-affiliated and sixteen teenagers who were pregnant. The records were sourced from the office of the local obstetrician. The research used the qualitative method of data collection whereby a personality test, the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory, comprising of 25 items was used as the main data gathering device. The test was in form of questionnaires which required the participants to categorize themselves according to their personality traits, in which a score of 25 represents the topmost level of self-esteem and zero as the lowest self-esteem level. The research made ethical considerations when engaging the participants in the study. For instance, Robinson & Frank (1994) write that only willing students participated in the study by filling in the questionnaires in class, while those not willing to participate continued with their personal projects. In addition, parents of the participating students had to give their consent before the students participated in the study. The sample from the obstetrician’s office also had parental consent before participating in the study. All the participants were assured of their anonymity in the compilation of the results of survey. Statistical analysis and significance of the data collected The collected data was analyzed in such a way that subject-to-subject disparity was considered, meaning that each questionnaire contributed to the statistics. Considering that the standard error was measured in relation to gender and race, the analysis of data was not very specific to individual traits meaning that some personal traits may have been overlooked. The research used the general linear model in the statistical analysis of data, specifically using the linear regression model and conducting ANOVA tests. The T-test was also used to test the dependent and independent variables. The advantage in using ANOVA is that it allowed the researchers to only focus on the differences in outcomes for the groups surveyed. Accordingly, the researchers were able to statistically analyze the data from the survey and weigh it against the study hypotheses. For example, among the male participants, 41 percent reported to have been sexually active within the previous six months and reported a marginally high self-esteem level of 18.3415. This statistic was compared to 81 males who had not engaged in sex in the previous six months and who reported an average self-esteem level of 17.6790. Statistical implications of the results of the study The feedback from the questionnaires provided enough data to assess the significance of the findings. According to Robinson & Frank (1994), the mean level of self-esteem was 17.776, meaning that most teenagers have a relatively high level of self-concept. The results exhibited no significant difference between sexually and non-sexually active teenagers in terms of self-esteem. The research found that contrary to the fourth hypothesis that males who have children have higher self-esteem as opposed to those who have not; teenage fathers actually reported lower self-esteem levels. However, considering that only four teenage males had fathered a child, against 104 who had not fathered a child, the findings do not hold much statistical significance as a result of the glaring statistical difference. Relating the conclusions to the results of the study Robinson & Frank (1994) appropriately draw their conclusions about the relationship between teenage self-esteem, pregnancy and sexual activities from the results of the study. For example, the study concludes that the high self-esteem levels reported among the participants are as a result of the participants being drawn from high schools that are affiliated to universities. These schools according to Robinson & Frank (1994) have programs that ensure that teachers and parents are actively involved in the academic and personal lives of students, thus resulting in high self-esteem among the teenagers. In addition, the study concludes that the lack of considerable disparities in the self-esteem levels of teenagers who are sexually active and those who are not; and pregnant females versus non-pregnant females can be attributed to societal values. Societal values in this case teach teenagers, especially females, not to depend on sexual activity to determine their self-worth, but rather to focus on other experiences and achievements. As for the finding that teenage males with children reported lower self-esteem levels, Robinson & Frank (1994) attribute it to the fact that most males feel that fatherhood negatively impacts on their future as they may be unable to, for example, pursue advanced education. The validity of conclusions in answering the research questions in the definition of the problem The conclusions of this study do not adequately answer the research questions. In essence, the research sought to determine whether self-esteem is in any way related to sexual activity and resultant pregnancies in teenagers. As Robinson & Frank (1994) write, the study did not identify any single variable that could be used to predict the self-esteem of teenagers. Basically, such a conclusion means that the research has done little determine whether self-esteem is in any way related to teenage sexual activity. In general, therefore, the conclusions only partially answer the research questions and leave the reader unsure as to level in which self-esteem affects teenage sexuality. The appropriateness of the conclusions to the entire study In terms of the appropriateness of the conclusions, Robinson & Frank (1994) have tried to tie the research questions, the hypotheses, and the result of the study to the conclusions. Essentially, while studying the research, the reader is able to connect how the authors arrive to the conclusion that parental and teacher support usually contributes to higher self-esteem levels among teenagers. However, some conclusions in the research are not supported by any aforementioned factors. For example, the conclusion that teenage fathers have low self-esteem because they consider fatherhood a hindrance to their long-term goals seems like an opinion considering that no literature or research is cited as having led to such a conclusion. Since the data collection section does not give information concerning the questions that were asked in the questionnaires, it is difficult to understand how the researchers came to the conclusion that societal values influenced high self-esteem among females regardless of their levels of sexual activity. In relation to the conclusion that pregnant teenagers recorded high self-esteem levels because they were in their third trimester and had, therefore, had time to get used to the pregnancy is also not supported by any other literature and is not among the research questions. The adequacy of the information provided in determining the effectiveness of the study In terms of contribution to the research process and contribution to theory, the study does very little to add onto existing knowledge. Robinson & Frank (1994) do not give much detail about the different aspects that were used to gauge the level of self-esteem among the participants. It would have benefited the reader more if the authors attached posted a sample of the questionnaire such that the reader could have a closer analysis of the 25 items and determine how they relate to self-esteem. The absence of such information hinders the ability to determine whether the study was effective in assessing the relationship linking, sexual activity teenage pregnancies and self-esteem. Reference Robinson, R., &Frank, D. (1994).The Relation between Self-Esteem, Sexual Activity, and Pregnancy. Adolescence, 29(113): 27. Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“Evaluating the Research Process Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words”, n.d.)
Evaluating the Research Process Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words. Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/miscellaneous/1655406-evaluating-the-research-process
(Evaluating the Research Process Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 Words)
Evaluating the Research Process Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 Words. https://studentshare.org/miscellaneous/1655406-evaluating-the-research-process.
“Evaluating the Research Process Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 Words”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/miscellaneous/1655406-evaluating-the-research-process.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Relation between Self-Esteem, Sexual Activity, and Pregnancy

Needs Assessment in Public Health

Secondly, it provides a profile of the health and social well being of a Coventry teenage community in order to identify and appraise their health needs in relation to the topic of early pregnancy.... Public health needs assessment is an inseparable part of successful public health practice in communities....
24 Pages (6000 words) Essay

Is Teen Pregnancy a Form of Deviance

This research paper "Is Teen pregnancy a Form of Deviance" focuses on teen pregnancy that has been a controversy for decades around the world.... The issue of teen pregnancy has caught the attention of people for decades.... That shows how young people have started exploring their sexuality and engages with the act of sex without knowing anything about pregnancy.... Some western nations like the United Kingdom and other European countries dealt with the issue of teen pregnancy and sexuality by having sexual openness and sex education....
7 Pages (1750 words) Research Paper

Teen Pregnancy Prevention

Despite the recent declines in teen birth and pregnancy rate, the United States still has the highest rates compared with other industrialized nations.... The research paper "Teen pregnancy Prevention" look into solution to improvements to teen pregnancy prevention is to educate teens on effective contraceptive method and distribute to them contraceptive use for protection of unintentional pregnancies.... The program contains many parts aiming at preventing teen pregnancy....
8 Pages (2000 words) Research Paper

Teenage pregnancy in ireland

This has created a serious gap in understanding of the sexuality nature of the The teenage pregnancy is a contentious issue in Ireland, and the problem is especially pronounced in County Louth which is one of smallest counties in Ireland with the highest rate of teenage pregnancies (Crisis pregnancy Agency, 2007).... Many society members view most cases of teenage pregnancy as a burden and a barrier to the achievement of the necessary education status and employment standards....
16 Pages (4000 words) Thesis

Self-Esteem and Sexual Behaviors in the Youth

My paper seeks to address the issue, and also look into possible behavioral consequences with an overall goal of increasing awareness about the effect of self-esteem on sexual behaviors.... In this regard, self-esteem can be defined as a person's feeling towards himself/herself.... Psychologists and sociologists define self-esteem as a reflection of a persons' overall emotional evaluation about him or her.... Usually, self-esteem exists as a result of personal judgment on key issues like how to cope with life challenges, conflict resolution and decision making, as well as ability to achieve success and respect....
5 Pages (1250 words) Research Paper

Attitude of the Society toward Teenage Pregnancy

They are also associated with an enhanced risk for health challenges related to childbirth and pregnancy.... "Attitude of the Society toward Teenage pregnancy" paper discusses the problem of teenage pregnancy, teenage birth rates in Ireland, risk factors, and health risks of teenage pregnancies to provide the theoretical aspects of the research on teenage pregnancy and the social attitudes to young mothers.... Most of the participants in the study viewed teenage pregnancy as an impediment towards the achievement of life goals due to the negative impacts on education as well as relationship prospects....
16 Pages (4000 words) Coursework

Teen Pregnancy

This work called "Teen pregnancy" focuses on identifying factors that contribute to teenage pregnancy, the risks associated with teenage pregnancy, and what can be done to curb teenage pregnancy.... Research indicated that there are several factors that promote teenage pregnancy.... Furthermore, an increase in teenage pregnancy is taking place due to an increase in access to social media and parent's lack of control over their children, and lastly, the issue is no longer being considered as a major problem....
13 Pages (3250 words) Research Paper

Importance of Sex Education

Through offering sex education, both parents and teachers will offer young people a means of protecting themselves against sexual abuse, exploitation, sexually transmitted infections, and unintended pregnancies.... Sex education can be offered through abstinence-based and comprehensive approaches that teach young people to keep away from sexual activities until marriage.... Being aware of exposure given to young people in schools, in media, and amongst their peers, sex education teaches people about sexual intimacy and also informs them on birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, and their reproductive system....
9 Pages (2250 words) Report
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us