Chapter II

INTRODUCTION

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents the discussion of the Theoretical

Framework, Review of Related Literature, and Research Gap relevant to

the lived experiences of teenage mothers. The reviewed literature and

studies provide supporting information that helps explain the experiences,

challenges, and coping mechanisms of teenage mothers. Linking the

findings of the present study to existing literature strengthens the validity

of the research and provides a clearer understanding of the phenomenon

under investigation.

Theoritical Framework

The theoretical framework used to guide this study is Social

Cognitive Theory, proposed by Albert Bandura. This theory

suggests that human behavior is influenced by the interaction of

personal factors, environmental influences, and lived experiences. In

the context of teenage motherhood, Social Cognitive Theory helps

explain how teenage mothers’ behaviors, emotions, and decisions

are shaped by their family environment, peer relationships, and

community support systems.

Review Related Literature

Teenage motherhood is a social phenomenon that has gained increasing

attention due to its significant impact on adolescents’ emotional, social,

educational, and economic well-being. Early pregnancy places

adolescents in situations that require them to assume adult roles and

responsibilities before they are emotionally and psychologically prepared.

According to Clemmens (2003), teenage mothers often experience a

sudden transition to motherhood that is accompanied by fear, anxiety,

stress, and uncertainty about the future. These emotional experiences are

intensified by unplanned pregnancy and the lack of adequate knowledge

and resources needed to care for a child.

As a result, teenage mothers may struggle to adjust to their new identity

and responsibilities. Several studies emphasize that social stigma is one

of the most challenging aspects of teenage motherhood. Negative

perceptions and judgment from family members, peers, and the

community often lead to feelings of shame, rejection, and isolation.

SmithBattle (2013) stated that stigmatization of teenage mothers

contributes to low self-esteem and emotional distress, which may

negatively affect their mental health and parenting abilities. Similarly,

Mangeli et al. (2017) found that adolescent mothers frequently experience

discrimination and lack of acceptance, making it difficult for them to seek

support and access healthcare and social services. These findings

highlight how societal attitudes shape the lived experiences of teenage

mothers. Family relationships play a crucial role in influencing how

teenage mothers cope with early motherhood. Studies show that teenage

mothers who receive emotional, financial, and moral support from their

families are better able to manage the challenges of pregnancy and child-

rearing. According to Mangeli et al. (2017), support from parents,

particularly mothers and grandmothers, helps teenage mothers develop

confidence and emotional stability. In contrast, lack of family support often

results in increased stress, depression, and feelings of abandonment.

This suggests that family acceptance is a key factor in shaping positive

outcomes for teenage mothers.

Educational disruption is another major issue discussed in the literature

on teenage motherhood. Many teenage mothers are forced to stop

schooling due to pregnancy, childcare responsibilities, and social stigma

within the school environment. The World Health Organization (2014)

reported that teenage pregnancy is one of the leading causes of school

dropout among adolescent girls worldwide.

Leaving school at an early age limits academic achievement and reduces

employment opportunities, which may lead to long-term economic

difficulties. However, studies also indicate that access to alternative

learning systems, flexible school policies, and supportive teachers can

help teenage mothers continue their education. Economic challenges are

closely linked to educational attainment among teenage mothers.

Limited education often results in unemployment or low-income jobs,

increasing financial dependence on family members. According to

Furstenberg (2007), teenage mothers are more likely to experience

poverty and economic instability compared to women who delay

childbearing. Financial difficulties contribute to stress and anxiety,

affecting both the mother and the child’s quality of life. These economic

struggles form a significant part of the lived experiences of teenage

mothers and influence their future opportunities.

Despite the numerous challenges faced by teenage mothers, literature

also highlights their capacity for resilience and personal growth.

Resilience refers to the ability to adapt and cope positively despite

adversity. Bandura (1997) emphasized that self-efficacy, or an individual’s

belief in their ability to manage difficult situations, plays an important role

in overcoming life challenges. Teenage mothers who believe in their

ability to care for their child and improve their situation are more likely to

pursue education, seek support, and make positive life decisions.

Supportive social environments further strengthen this resilience. In

general, the reviewed literature indicates that teenage motherhood

involves both negative and positive experiences. Emotional distress,

stigma, educational disruption, and economic hardship are common

challenges, while resilience, increased responsibility, and personal

motivation are also evident.

These studies provide valuable insights into the lived experiences of

teenage mothers and emphasize the importance of support systems,

education, and community acceptance. The review of related literature

serves as a foundation for the present study and supports the need to

further explore the lived experiences of teenage mothers in order to better

understand their realities and needs.

Teenage pregnancy continues to be a significant social and public health

concern worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (2021),

adolescent pregnancy, defined as pregnancy occurring in females aged

10–19, affects millions of young women annually and is associated with

both health and socio-educational consequences. Globally, approximately

21 million girls aged 15–19 become pregnant in developing countries

each year, many with limited access to maternal health services,

education, and social support. Early pregnancies are linked to maternal

anemia, preterm birth, low birthweight, and increased maternal and infant

mortality. Beyond health risks, teenage mothers often experience stigma,

emotional distress, and interruption of education, which can affect their

long-term socioeconomic opportunities (Habito, Morgan, & Vaughan,

2021). Teenage pregnancy is influenced by a complex interplay of

familial, socioeconomic, behavioral, and cultural factors.

Studies suggest that early sexual initiation, lack of parental guidance, and

exposure to peers or media that normalize adolescent pregnancy

increase the likelihood of early childbearing (Baccay, 2025). Bandura’s

Social Learning Theory (2017) provides a useful lens to understand this

phenomenon, as adolescents often acquire behaviors by observing and

imitating role models in their social environment. Thus, teenage

pregnancy is not solely an individual choice but is shaped by social and

environmental influences. In the Philippines, teenage pregnancy remains

a persistent concern. The 2017 Philippine National Demographic and

Health Survey reported that approximately 9% of girls aged 15–19 have

begun childbearing, with variation across regions due to socioeconomic

and cultural factors (Pepito, Tang, & Co, 2022). Central Luzon has

relatively lower rates, while other regions, particularly among younger

adolescents, show higher incidence (Humanium, 2025). Adolescents

living without parental supervision were found to be significantly more at

risk, demonstrating the protective role of family stability (Tabei, Cuisia-

Cruz, Smith, & Seposo, 2021). Socioeconomic status also plays a major

role. Adolescents from lower-income households are more likely to

experience teenage pregnancy due to limited educational opportunities,

reduced access to contraception, and vulnerability to early unions

(Manzanilla, Escultura, Buquid, & Cabreros, 2024). Conversely, higher

educational attainment is associated with lower pregnancy risk, as

education provides reproductive health knowledge and encourages

future-oriented decision-making (Habito et al., 2021). Studies show that

school engagement acts as a protective factor; adolescents focused on

academic achievement are less likely to become pregnant. Media

exposure and access to reproductive health information influence teenage

pregnancy outcomes as well. According to Pepito et al. (2022),

adolescents exposed to internet-based or print family planning messages

were less likely to become pregnant, whereas exposure through

television, radio, or SMS had a weaker effect. This suggests that the

quality and delivery of information, not just exposure, is key. Baccay

(2025) also found that Filipino high school students who received parental

or teacher guidance about reproductive health were more aware of

pregnancy risks, highlighting the role of school and family education.

Teenage pregnancy has considerable academic implications. Galabo and

Gempes (2025) conducted a multiple case study of secondary school

students and found that adolescent mothers faced challenges in

balancing school responsibilities with pregnancy and childcare. Many

experienced absenteeism, declining academic performance, and social

isolation from peers and teachers.

These challenges often forced adolescents to temporarily or permanently

leave school, limiting their educational attainment and future economic

opportunities. Similarly, qualitative studies in the Philippines reveal that

teenage mothers experience anxiety, stress, and stigma, which directly

affect their participation and engagement in academic settings (PubMed,

2025). The lived experiences of Filipino adolescent mothers provide

insight into the challenges of balancing education and early parenthood.

Habito et al. (2021) identified pathways to teenage pregnancy, including

early unions, unintended romantic pregnancies, and circumstances

following family or social adversity. These narratives highlight the interplay

between personal, relational, and structural factors, showing that teenage

pregnancy is not simply a matter of individual choice but is influenced by

broader social and economic environments. Social support and coping

strategies are essential for mitigating these challenges. Adolescents who

receive emotional and practical support from family, peers, or community

programs are more likely to continue their education and manage

parenthood effectively (Manzanilla et al., 2024). Bandura (2017)

emphasizes that positive reinforcement and modeling in social contexts

can promote adaptive behaviors, such as responsible parenthood and

continued academic engagement. Programs that provide mentorship,

counseling, and peer support have been shown to improve school

retention among teenage mothers.

Despite existing research, gaps remain in understanding the academic

experiences of adolescent mothers in localized Philippine contexts. While

surveys provide statistical prevalence, there is limited qualitative evidence

documenting how teenage mothers navigate schooling, teacher

expectations, peer relationships, and social stigma. Addressing these

gaps is critical for developing effective educational interventions, guidance

programs, and policies that support adolescent mothers in completing

their education. In conclusion, teenage pregnancy is a multifaceted issue

shaped by familial, socioeconomic, behavioral, and cultural factors. Its

consequences extend beyond health, significantly affecting educational

attainment, psychosocial well-being, and future socioeconomic

opportunities. Evidence from global and Philippine studies underscores

the importance of family support, education, and targeted reproductive

health interventions.

According to Bandura (2017), behaviors are learned through social

observation and modeling, suggesting that interventions promoting

positive role models, school engagement, and supportive networks can

reduce teenage pregnancy and improve outcomes for adolescent

mothers. Integrating quantitative trends with qualitative insights into lived

experiences provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding and

addressing teenage pregnancy in the Philippines.

Research Gap

Most existing studies on teenage motherhood focus on general trends,

causes, and consequences using quantitative methods or multiple

participants. While these studies provide valuable information, they often

overlook the deep, personal, and individual lived experience of a

single teenage mother, especially at the barangay level.

There is limited research that explores how one teenage mother

personally navigates emotional struggles, social judgment, educational

disruption, and early parental responsibilities within her specific

community context.

The absence of an in-depth, individual narrative creates a gap in

understanding the unique challenges, coping mechanisms, and sources

of support experienced by teenage mothers on a personal level. This

study seeks to address this gap by documenting and analyzing the lived

experience of one teenage mother in Barangay Malaya to provide richer

and more contextualized insights.

Definition of Terms

 Teenage Mother – A female who becomes pregnant or gives birth

between the ages of 13 and 19 and is the main focus of this study.

 Lived Experience – The personal, first-hand account of thoughts,

feelings, challenges, and daily realities experienced by the teenage

mother.

 Early Motherhood – The condition of becoming a mother during

the teenage years, involving early responsibilities and life

adjustments.

 Emotional Challenges – Psychological and emotional difficulties

such as stress, fear, anxiety, or sadness experienced by the

teenage mother.

 Educational Disruption – Interruption, delay, or discontinuation of

formal schooling due to pregnancy and motherhood.

 Social Stigma – Negative perceptions, judgment, or criticism from

the community directed toward the teenage mother.

 Family Support – Emotional, financial, and practical assistance

provided by family members to help the teenage mother cope with

early motherhood.

 Coping Mechanisms – Strategies and actions used by the

teenage mother to manage stress and adapt to her situation.

 Barangay Malaya – The specific local community where the

teenage mother resides and where the study is conducted.