The Development of Responsibility in Teenage Mothers: A Qualitative Model

Authors: Rzechowska E

DOI: 10.23880/mhrij-16000263

Volume 9, Issue 1

Abstract

A case study analysis was conducted to develop a comprehensive empirical model of transitions in adolescent development, essential for understanding teenage mothers’ responsibility. Data used to reconstruct individual life trajectories were collected through exploratory interviews and questionnaires and analyzed using the Strategy of Process Transformation Reconstruction (PTR). PTR is an innovative methodological tool that integrates qualitative case analysis with Quinlan’s C4.5 algorithm to enable generalizations. The resulting empirical model identifies six distinct variants of teenage motherhood, each reflecting specific transformations in the sense of responsibility. These transitions are shaped by cognitive and emotional development, influencing both identity formation and caregiving behaviors. In Variants M1-M2, teenage mothers internalize their role, integrating responsibility for both themselves and their child through proactive caregiving, future-oriented planning, and emotional bonding. These stages reflect the emergence of reflective responsibility, where decision-making is guided by an evolving sense of self-efficacy and attachment to the child. In Variants M3-M4, responsibility becomes more segmented, driven by external expectations rather than intrinsic motivation. While personal accountability and caregiving duties are acknowledged, decision-making often lacks long-term planning and emotional investment, reflecting a more task-focused approach. Finally, Variants M5-M6 represent a stage of rejecting motherhood, characterized by an avoidance of responsibility and delegation of childcare to others, often due to emotional distress, cognitive overload, or overwhelming social pressures. This model highlights the dynamic nature of responsibility development in teenage mothers, illustrating how cognitive and emotional processes shape their caregiving roles. By recognizing these diverse trajectories, the study provides valuable insights into intervention strategies that support teenage mothers in fostering both personal development and stable caregiving practices.

Keywords: Teenage Motherhood; Adolescence; Responsibility; Accoutability; Case Study Analysis; Qualitative Data; C4.5 Quinlan’s Algorithm; Data Mining

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