Related Experiment Videos
Outcome following therapeutic abortion
Archives of General Psychiatry
|June 1, 1976
Summary
This study found that psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, and shame, significantly decreased six months after abortion. Vulnerability to negative psychological outcomes is linked to specific patient factors and pre-existing conditions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Sociology
Background:
- The psychological impact of abortion is a complex area of study.
- Understanding factors influencing emotional responses to abortion is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the psychological outcomes of abortion in a cohort of 102 patients.
- To identify variables associated with variations in emotional responses post-abortion.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study measuring five affects (anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, shame) over four time intervals.
- Multivariate analysis to identify patient subgroups with differing response patterns.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, and shame were observed six months post-abortion.
- Patient factors such as marital status, personality, relationship dynamics, and history of emotional problems influenced psychological responses.
Conclusions:
- A conflict and conflict resolution model effectively conceptualizes the abortion experience.
- Single, nulliparous women, those with prior emotional issues, troubled relationships, or negative attitudes towards abortion, are more vulnerable to psychological distress.
Keywords:
Abortion SeekersAbortion, Induced--side effectsAbortion, Therapeutic--side effectsAge FactorsBehaviorCorrelation StudiesDemographic FactorsDepressionEducationEthnic GroupsFamily PlanningFertilityFertility Control, PostconceptionParityPopulationPopulation DynamicsPregnancy, Unwanted--side effectsPsychological FactorsReligionReproductive BehaviorResearch MethodologyStatistical StudiesStudies