ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a brief overview of problem-behavior theory and the fundamental attribution error, followed by an analysis of evidence that counters this perspective and confirms that the majority of teen pregnancies occur to teens without a history of problem behaviors. It addresses the Winfrey's story that highlights the complexity surrounding beliefs about teen pregnancy and depicts the first cultural myth. The chapter describes two cultural myths about teen pregnancy using evidence conceptualized through a systems perspective. It then focuses on two important issues: The first issue concerns identifying differences between teens that become pregnant from those who postpone pregnancy until adulthood. A second issue relates to causes of the declines in rates of teen pregnancy since the early 1990s. It concludes by considering how we need to move beyond a narrow focus on attitudes and behaviors of youth to fully account for teen pregnancy.
