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  • College Men, Unplanned Preg...
    Olmstead, Spencer B.; Koon, Justin T.; Puhlman, Daniel J.; Pasley, Kay; Fincham, Frank D.

    The Journal of sex research, 11/2013, Volume: 50, Issue: 8
    Journal Article

    We conducted a qualitative content analysis of written responses from 148 college men to questions about pregnancy resolution and marriage in the event of an unplanned pregnancy. We used Marsiglio's ( 1991 ) concepts of procreative consciousness and responsibility as a source of theoretical sensitivity during data analysis. Men's written comments were analyzed using a modified version of the grounded theory method of open, axial, and selective coding. Three distinct groups emerged: "I expect to raise my child" (86.5%); "I don't expect to raise the child" (10.1%); and "I expect to let my partner decide" (3.4%). Several subgroups also emerged among men who intended to raise the unplanned child: Yes, I expect to get married; "No, I don't expect to get married"; "I don't know if we'd marry"; and "My partner and I would coparent." Across subgroups, conditional variations and reasons underlying expectations were noted. Much variability was observed in men's descriptions of their procreative responsibility. A majority expressed high expectations for personal obligation and responsibility if involved in an unplanned pregnancy. Future research on men's sexual and reproductive health and procreative consciousness and responsibility are discussed.