Dating patterns, sexual relationships and use of contraceptives of 700 unwed mothers during a two year period following delivery.

ABSTRACT

Little has been systematically studied regarding the adjustment period following the birth of an illegitimate child and finalizing the decision to either raise or relinquish the child for adoption. In order to better understand the phenomenon it was decided to ask the UM herself regarding her experience. Seven hundred UMs were sent a questionnaire, each being randomly assigned to several time intervals varying from 3 to 18 months post decision time. The UMs were approximately 98% Caucasian, coming from primarily low and middle socioeconomic levels, and residing in the Upper Midwest. Questionnaires were returned by 79% of the UMs (n equals 550). Over 75% of thses had relinquished their child for adoption. The majority of the UMs reported they were dating (86%), with approximately one-half dating someone steadily at the time of the study. Those who relinquished reported a higher incidence of dating in general, however, those who kept their children were more linely to date and marry the alleged father (AF). Approximately one-half of the UMs had indicated having had sexual intercourse, and over 75% of these indicated that they were contracepting. However, of those not having had intercourse, approximately 10% were contracepting. These dating patterns and sexual relationships varied by age and the respective decision regarding the child. As other adjustment areas are examined in the total study it is hoped that a clearer understanding of the dyamics will be forthcoming.