Perceived Relationship Experiences Among Adolescents and Young Adult Women: Reproductive Coercion Pilot Study
Author
Bonen-Clark, Rebecca Clare
Abstract
Background:
Reproductive coercion (RC) involves behavior that interferes with the individual’s unique ability to make decisions regarding reproductive health. It is intended to maintain power and control in a relationship by someone past, present, or future wishing to be involved in a relationship. RC has been associated with intimate partner violence, unintended pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections. Additionally, it has been associated with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Prevalence estimates range from 3% to over 38%. There are three specific forms: contraceptive sabotage, pregnancy pressure, and control of pregnancy outcomes. The goal was to better understand the concept of RC among adolescents and young adult women (14-26 years) seeking services in primary or public health settings in Indiana and North Carolina.
Methods:
An anonymous Qualtrics survey was utilized to collect data on self-reports of contraceptive sabotage, pregnancy pressure, and control of pregnancy outcomes. Study participants were recruited through a generated QR code that was shared through posters, flyers, and social media posts. Data were collected between 5/4/20 to 12/31/20. IRB approval was obtained.
Results:
The survey had 73 participants with 63 completing the survey. We found a RC prevalence of 8% among this sample with almost 2% reporting more than one form. Women who reported RC were less likely to report using a more effective method of contraception (11.1% vs. 6.5%), more likely white (60%), and live in a rural setting (60%). They were also more likely to have a partner who was older (66.7% vs. 35.7%). In addition, those who reported RC were more likely to report being “unhappy” (22.2%) vs. “happy” (2.3%) (p=0.024).
Conclusions:
This pilot study found a prevalence of RC among this population. Reproductive coercion is a relatively new concept; but it plays a vital role in the sexual/reproductive health of the clients we serve.
Subject
Date
2022-05-04
Citation:
APA:
Bonen-Clark, Rebecca Clare.
(May 2022).
Perceived Relationship Experiences Among Adolescents and Young Adult Women: Reproductive Coercion Pilot Study
(Honors Thesis, East Carolina University). Retrieved from the Scholarship.
(http://hdl.handle.net/10342/10877.)
MLA:
Bonen-Clark, Rebecca Clare.
Perceived Relationship Experiences Among Adolescents and Young Adult Women: Reproductive Coercion Pilot Study.
Honors Thesis. East Carolina University,
May 2022. The Scholarship.
http://hdl.handle.net/10342/10877.
April 22, 2024.
Chicago:
Bonen-Clark, Rebecca Clare,
“Perceived Relationship Experiences Among Adolescents and Young Adult Women: Reproductive Coercion Pilot Study”
(Honors Thesis., East Carolina University,
May 2022).
AMA:
Bonen-Clark, Rebecca Clare.
Perceived Relationship Experiences Among Adolescents and Young Adult Women: Reproductive Coercion Pilot Study
[Honors Thesis]. Greenville, NC: East Carolina University;
May 2022.
Collections
Publisher
East Carolina University