Content area
Abstract
This dissertation follows a 3 article format. First, I implement strategies for combining the three surveys and evaluating the individual unique measures of fertility intentions status to a combined survey latent class analysis. I found that the best fitting solution, based upon theories, qualitative research, and prior research with each survey alone, included four latent classes of first birth intentions: intended, unintended, and two categories of ambivalent: okay either way and conflicted. Second, using fertility intentions classes identified in the second chapter, I use three theories (Theory of Planned Behavior, Traits-Desires-Intentions-Behaviors and Theory of Conjunctural Action) to extend research on the predictors of pregnancy intention status. I evaluate the three theories of pregnancy intentions using multinomial logistic regression models. In the fourth chapter, I use Stress Process Theory to test whether pregnancy intentions, more specifically ambivalent intentions, matter for psychological well-being.
This dissertation contributes to sociology by expanding applications of data combination and cross-survey multiple imputation using a hybrid bridging model. Furthermore, I identified four categories of intendedness, and distinguished between two categories of ambivalence: conflicted and okay either way. Conflicted women were more likely to report using birth control prior to conception, and women who were okay either wanted a pregnancy more than they tried to get pregnant. Future research should examine whether trying means the same thing to all women. Women from higher socioeconomic status were more likely to have an intended first birth. Exposure to socioeconomic stressors post-birth explains variation in psychological wellbeing by first birth intentions.
