This study evaluated the efficacy of the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) adapted for Danish couples expecting their first child. Couples were recruited consecutively through a public maternity ward (N = 290). On the basis of due dates, they were allocated to (a) PREP, (b) an information-based control group (INFO), or (c)…

Examined whether involving families in programs for pregnant and parenting adolescents is associated with positive outcomes for adolescent, her child, and her family. Data from three federally funded programs suggest that family involvement, regardless of how it is defined and measured, is positively associated with large number of outcomes for…

Evaluated effects of participation in program for pregnant and parenting teenagers (n=178); divided subjects into nonparticipation, low level participation, and high level participation. Results suggested some positive net effect of participants relative to comparison group at one site but ambiguous effects at the other site. (ABL)

Comments on two recent articles in "Family Relations" on the effectiveness of abstinence-only pregnancy prevention programs. Focuses on several methodological and analytical aspects of the articles and challenges authors' conclusion based primarily on their evaluation of one project, that abstinence-based prevention programs do not work. (NB)

Presents four conceptual models of familial adaptation to adolescent pregnancy discerned from interviews with African-American adolescent mothers (n=119) and their mothers (n=103): Parental Replacement; Parental Supplement; Supported Primary Parent; and Parental Apprentice. Claims framework provides method for better understanding of triadic…

Second evaluation of abstinence-only adolescent pregnancy prevention program included 528 subjects. None of desired changes in attitudes or behavior (premarital sexual attitudes, sexual behaviors, self-esteem, family communication) occurred for total sample or for virgins in sample. Findings question federal policy of relying exclusively on…

Evaluated agency impact on preventing repeat pregnancy among urban African-American adolescents (n=52). Adolescents were rated on involvement in various services; pregnancy outcomes were assessed four years after initial referral. Results indicated adolescents who had higher level of participation in combined pre- and postbirth programs were more…

Conducted six-month follow-up study to evaluate effectiveness of Project Taking Charge, abstinence-based program to delay sexual intercourse and prevent teenage pregnancy. Findings from adolescents at two sites revealed that many knowledge gains found at posttest were retained at follow-up. Program participants were less likely than comparison…

Comprehensive support was provided to urban, first-time adolescent mothers in a prospective research project designed to reduce repeat pregnancy and school dropout rates. Home visits, parenting classes, school advocacy, and case-management services were provided. Intervention (n=34) and control (n=29) groups were followed to evaluate the…

The process that occurs in relationships between volunteer adult mentors and pregnant adolescent "mentees" is described empirically; testable hypotheses based on findings concerning the mentor role are proposed. Case records from 20 mentors are analyzed; findings regarding mentors' roles are discussed. Criteria for conceptualizing quasi-parenting…

Evaluated abstinence-based adolescent pregnancy prevention program, Project Taking Charge, a combined sex and vocational education program used with 136 adolescents and 126 parents. Evaluation was unable to establish a link between changes in sexual attitudes and changes in sexual behavior, as none of the attitude variables changed significantly…