In this video, we meet Kesha, an African-American, 14-year-old girl visiting her school health center staffed by Mrs. Kaye, a registered nurse.  Kesha is an excellent student who was referred to the health center because she has been falling asleep for the last week during first period. A medical history reveals that she is also complaining of sickness and vomiting in the morning and has missed her period for the last two months. She indicates that she is sexually active, and her boyfriend attends the same high school. Kesha refuses to consider the possibility that she is pregnant until she undergoes a pregnancy test.

Consider these questions as you view the video:

▶       What are some normal adolescent characteristics that we see affecting Kesha’s reactions and decision-making process?

▶       What things and people are influencing Kesha as she makes her decision?

What are some normal adolescent characteristics that we see affecting Kesha’s reactions and decision-making process?

▶       Strive for independence –“I want to go to Joelle’s Doctor.”

▶       Idealistic – “James will help me.”

▶       Fearless – “It’s only a baby, it’s not rocket science.”

▶       Short sighted- does not understand all she will need to parent a child

What where some of the things and people that were influencing Kesha as she made her decision?

▶      Her age – she is an adolescent and only 14 years old

▶      Her mother - and what she wants Kesha to do

▶      Her boyfriend and her friends