Teen Pregnancies and Parenting Impact on the Next Generation’s Development: A Textual Analysis

Abstract

This paper explores the impact of teenage parenting on child development, using the TV show 16 and Pregnant as an observational tool. By applying Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) to analyze the emotional and social dynamics presented in the series, the study investigates how teen parents influence their newborns' capacities for empathy, trust, perseverance, safety, and confidence. The results reveal complex patterns of emotional and social development: teen parents often struggle with joint parenting efforts, leading to uncertainty and negativity; inadequate trust-building and safety for the child due to fear and anger; and limited parental involvement in fostering perseverance and confidence. Notably, the mother plays a more prominent role in nurturing the newborn’s confidence, while the father’s influence is often disruptive. The findings emphasize the interconnectedness of the emotional states of teen parents and their children, underscoring the importance of a holistic understanding of adolescent parenthood. The study contributes to the literature by addressing gaps in research, particularly the emotional and social dimensions of teen parenting, and proposes a novel methodology for analyzing sensitive topics through media content. The paper also highlights the broader implications of teenage pregnancies in the context of societal trends, including the challenges posed by digital exposure and the COVID-19 pandemic.