TOYANG: How Is It Like To Start Young An In-Depth View on the Lived Experiences of an Adolescent Mother

Abstract

This study depicted the lived experiences of adolescent mothers and how they faced the challenges of parenthood at such a young age. The researcher made use of phenomenology to understand the lifeworld of adolescent mothers. The study was conducted in a small sample size and utilized qualitative research method which made use of in-depth interviews. This study was successful in exploring the reasons why adolescent girls engaged in pre-marital sex. The study revealed that the length of relationship and engaging in sexual activities to consummate the love for one’s partner are the main reasons why adolescent girls engage in sexual relationships. Of course other influences such as media and peers also contributed to their decision to engage in premarital sex. It is surprising to know how these adolescent mothers survived the demands of being a young parent which proved that despite the young age, adolescent mothers were resilient.