Copying and Resilience of Teenage Mothers under the Dynamics of Community Capital

Abstract

This research article aimed to (1) investigate the coping and resilience phenomena of teenage mothers in Ban Pong District, Ratchaburi Province, (2) analyze the role of community capital in supporting the coping and resilience of teenage mothers in Ban Pong District, Ratchaburi Province, and (3) develop approaches to enhance the coping and resilience of teenage mothers under the dynamics of community capital in Ban Pong District, Ratchaburi Province. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining qualitative research and action research. Data were collected from 30 teenage mothers selected purposively through document analysis, in-depth interviews, and observation. The collected data were analyzed using content analysis. For the development of approaches to support teenage mothers under community capital dynamics, 20 participants were involved, including teenage mothers, their families, and representatives from relevant organizations such as community leaders, schools, public health units, and local authorities in Ban Pong District, Ratchaburi Province. Participation was voluntary and consisted of three stages: (1) planning, (2) implementing activities and observing outcomes, and (3) reflecting on the activities. Data were collected through focus group discussions, observation, and satisfaction assessment. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.The research findings revealed that the process of becoming a teenage mother in Ban Pong District, Ratchaburi Province, consisted of three stages: (1) before becoming a teenage mother, (2) being a teenage mother, and (3) after becoming a teenage mother. The coping strategies of teenage mothers were categorized into three types: confronting, escaping, and accepting the situation, while their resilience was classified into three groups: those with adaptive skills, those with a positive attitude, and those with interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Community capital influencing the coping and resilience of teenage mothers comprised three types: human capital, institutional capital, and knowledge and cultural capital. The approach to supporting coping and resilience under the dynamics of community capital in Ban Pong District consisted of three steps: (1) building relationships and trust with teenage mothers, (2) promoting mental and physical health through community capital to nurture and empower them, and (3) fostering positive perspectives and attitudes toward teenage motherhood to enhance quality of life. The integrated mobilization of the three forms of community capital enabled teenage mothers to engage in holistic problem-solving through community resources, supporting them to continue their pregnancies and achieve a good quality of life.