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Locus of control and the use of contraception among unmarried black adolescent fathers and their controls: A preliminary report

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Abstract

This article presents preliminary data that examine the relationship between external locus of control and contraceptive use in a limited population of unmarried Black adolescent fathers and their controls. Results reveal that Black adolescent fathers are more likely to have an external locus of control, to not be churchgoers, and to not believe in the use of birth control. Policy implications of this research indicate that unmarried Black adolescent fathers should be given birth control counseling; and if other forms of counseling are warranted, attention should be paid to issues of locus of control.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Urban Affairs and Research, Howard University, USA

    Leo E. Hendricks (Assistant Professor and Senior Research Associate)

  2. U.S. Department of Education, Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, USA

    Robert E. Fullilove (Program Officer)

Authors
  1. Leo E. Hendricks
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  2. Robert E. Fullilove
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Additional information

This study was made financially possible, in part, through award 1R01-MH25551-05 from the Center for Minority Group Mental Health Programs of NIMH and award 90CW637-01 from the Children's Bureau of Administration for Children, Youth, and Families.

Received his Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina in 1977. Research interests include adolescent pregnancy and psychiatric epidemiology.

Received his Ed.D. from Columbia Teachers College in 1981. Research interests include statistics and adolescent pregnancy.

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Hendricks, L.E., Fullilove, R.E. Locus of control and the use of contraception among unmarried black adolescent fathers and their controls: A preliminary report. J Youth Adolescence 12, 225–233 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02090988

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02090988

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