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Full text release has been delayed at the author's request until December 31, 2026

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The EM(e)RGE Theory: A Grounded Theory of Emerging Adult-Aged Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Management

Schlegel, Emma Caroline
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0242-6561
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1624883676651176

Abstract Details

2021, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Nursing.
Emerging adulthood (ages 18-25 years) is a period of increased disruption and shifting dependency. During this developmental period, women have the highest rates of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. However, little is known about how emerging adult-aged (EA) women define sexual and reproductive health (SRH) or how they make decisions about care needs. Prior research has relied on primarily quantitative data from either college-enrolled women or women living in the community, making it difficult to explore experiences across diverse social contexts. This study resulted in creation of a grounded theory of EA women’s SRH management and decision-making. The EM(e)RGE Theory is based on EA women’s preferred definitions and actions of SRH promotion and risk reduction, as identified by EA women with diverse educational and socioeconomic backgrounds. Results from this study indicate emerging adult-aged women engage in a complex and cyclical process of passively and actively managing their sexual and reproductive health. The EM(e)RGE Theory of emerging adult-aged women’s sexual and reproductive health management provides needed insight into the unique health management processes used by a disparate population of women. Women also provided various definitions of SRH, that were organized in to one of three categories, `being safe,’ `healthcare,’ and `mind-body connection.’ The EM(e)RGE Theory and SRH definitions presented in this study provide valuable guidance for future exploratory and intervention research aimed at improving the health and well-being of a unique sub-population of women.
Laureen H. Smith, PhD, RN, FAAN (Committee Chair)
Judith A. Tate, PhD, RN (Committee Member)
Rita H. Pickler, PhD, RN, FAAN (Committee Member)
Karen Patricia Williams, PhD (Committee Member)
270 p.
Nursing
Reproductive Health; Sexual Health; Womens Health; Young Adult; Decision Making; Nursing Research; Grounded Theory

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Schlegel, E. C. (2021). The EM(e)RGE Theory: A Grounded Theory of Emerging Adult-Aged Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Management [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1624883676651176

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Schlegel, Emma. The EM(e)RGE Theory: A Grounded Theory of Emerging Adult-Aged Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Management. 2021. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1624883676651176.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Schlegel, Emma. "The EM(e)RGE Theory: A Grounded Theory of Emerging Adult-Aged Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Management." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1624883676651176

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1624883676651176
© 2021, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.