Abortion: A Social‐Psychological Perspective

Abstract

More than most medical procedures, abortion is embedded in a social context that has implications for psychological reactions of patients. Following a brief history of legislation and research on abortion, correlates of post‐abortion reponses are reviewed. A social‐psychological framework is suggested which views abortion as a stress experience. Responses to the experience will be a function of the nature and meaning of the pregnancy to the individual woman, her defensive and coping style, and the social environment surrounding the abortion experience. Psychological effects of the procedure on the partner and on health professionals who perform abortions are also considered.

Experiences of Induced Abortion among a Group of South African Women

“…As a result, the conclusions drawn by researchers and writers were frequently influenced by the strong negative emotional and social beliefs about abortion (Adler, David, Major, Roth, Russo & Wyatt, 1990, 1992. Simon and Senturia (cited in Adler, 1979) concluded that 'deeply held personal convictions frequently seem to outweigh the importance of the data, especially when conclusions are drawn' (p. 103).…”

“…The research findings reflected the generally accepted belief that abortion was beyond the range of 'normal' experience. Kummer (cited in Adler, 1979), noted that the frequent reference in medical literature to post-abortion psychiatric illness was not based on sound research. His review ofthe literature led him to conclude that this widely held belief was a myth resulting from the enforcement of a taboo against abortion.…”

“…Some women report periods of depression, anxiety, guilt or regret following the procedure (Adler et al, 1990;Mueller & Major, 1989). Adler (1979) and Lemkau (1988) claimed that these are usually experienced to a mild degree and diminish over time. However, a few cases of longer term psychotic reactions have also been reported (e.g.…”

“…The tide of psychiatric opinion began to turn away from the expectation that abortion was invariably followed by deleterious psychological effects (Adler, 1979). Studies on abortion began to reveal that While a legal abortion produced feelings of guilt and self-reproach in many women, rarely were the psychological sequelae so severe as to be described as pathological (Ekblad, cited in Adler, 1979).…”

Psychological impact of abortion: Methodological and outcomes summary of empirical research between 1966 and 1988

“…Information in the form included study type (prospective, retrospective, or comparison); date of data collection; country in which the investigation was performed; selected details concerning the demographics, sampling, and follow-up methodology; incidence of women reported to have had a negative.or neutral/positive postabortion experience; the dependent variable used to determine outcome; the mean score and statistical test results performed on quantitative outcome measures; and a compilation of the methodological limitations of each study. The form was designed to validate and amplify information in existing review articles (Adler, 1979;David, 1972David, , 1978Doane & Quigley, 1981;Gibbons, 1984;Handy, 1982;Heath, 1971;Illsley & Hall, 1976;Keasling & Davis, 1975;Mudd, 1973;Olley, 1973;Olson, 1980;Pariser, Dixon, & Thatcher, 1978;Pohlman, 1970;Raphael, 1972aRaphael, , 1972bShusterman, 1976;Walter, 1970;White, 1966).…”