A model for the facilitation of intergenerational reconciliation in teenage pregnancy : a Xhosa perspective

Abstract

The purpose of the research was to develop a model for midwives to facilitate the process of promoting a calm home environment, suitable for supporting pregnant teenagers. The design accepted for developing the model was theory generative, qualitative, explorative, descriptive, phenomenological and contextual. Data were collected from ten selected pregnant teenagers who were at least 24 weeks pregnant and who resided within the two selected townships in Port Elizabeth. The other participants were ten biological parents and ten grandparents of these pregnant teenagers, all of whom lived in the same houses as the teenagers. Data were collected by using an audio-tape recorder and taking field notes. The interviews with the parents and grandparents were conducted in their homes, and the interviews with the pregnant teenagers were conducted in secluded rooms at the antenatal care clinics. The research findings revealed that conflict had destabilised some families, resulting in providing limited family support to the pregnant teenagers. However, the grandparents acknowledged the need to discuss the issues at stake and to solve the problem. The results indicated that pregnant teenagers were deprived of the necessary family support during their pregnancies. A model for facilitating intergenerational conflict, as a strategy to assist the family to offer support to the pregnant teenagers, has been developed and applied with some potential benefits.