‘In the Eye of the Storm’: An Exploration of the Psychosocial Experiences of Teen Mothers in Zimbabwe

Abstract

While pregnancy and motherhood can be a joy to many, this is hardly the case with teenage mothers; most of whom give birth to children that are a result of unintended pregnancies. This is a life-changing experience beset with many challenges for teen mothers. Through a qualitative approach, this paper explores the psychosocial experiences of teen mothers in Zimbabwe. Findings reveal that teen mothers are unprepared for motherhood, have limited family support and experience role conflict as well as post-partum depression due to the heavy burden of motherhood. The implications of the findings for social work practice at micro, meso and macro levels are underscored.