|
|
The Emotion Behind Abortion In the past few years, a new question concerning abortion has surfaced. It is the the question of whether or not abortion and severe psychological disorders are linked. This question has added to the controversial debate over abortion issues. Prior research has been “motivated by theory or political ideology” (Cohen, 140). Many studies have been biased due to the pre-conceived notions and values of the researchers. Proponents and opponents of abortion have presented different arguments, backed by research, about whether or not mental health problems develop due to the decision to terminate a pregnancy. Most studies have concluded that chosen abortion is not found to be associated with psychological disorders, but there are a few that have found abortion to contribute to severe depression, severe guilt, suicidal thoughts, extreme anxiety, intense rage, and passivity. This constellation of symptoms has been called “post-abortion syndrome” (Costa, 119). Obviously, abortion is a very emotional experience due to the fact that child-bearing is an inherent part of a female’s role in society. Although post-abortion syndrome may exist, there is much evidence supporting the claim that abortion has no long term mental effects. Almost 1 1/2 million American women each year undergo this surgical procedure (Cozzarelli, 454). Almost half of all pregnancies are unplanned, although unwanted pregnancy is not an uncontrollable life event (Major, 587). It is clear that women respond to abortion with a range of different reactions. A few studies have looked at self-efficacy, social support, social conflict, and self-esteem, as these all play either a positive or negative role in coping. Terminating a pregnancy can be a negative experience for many women. Both self-efficacy and self-esteem serve as factors in coping with negative life events. Self-esteem is defined by confidence and satisfaction with oneself. In a study conducted by Cozzarelli, Sumer, and Major (1998), it is hypothesized that women with a “positive model of self would report higher feelings of self-efficacy” when dealing with abortion than those with a negative model. They proposed that self-efficacy would act as the mediator of the model of self and post-abortion adjustment. They also hypothesized that women who were secure with their well-being as a whole would feel that their partner was supportive. This support that came from the partners would act as the mediator between the effects of “mental models on post-abortion and positive well-being”. Concerning social conflict, they predicted that women with a sense of security would not sense tension and conflict with their partners and this would act as the mediator between “the effects of mental models on post-abortion distress”. The 615 women who participated completed detailed questionnaires, medical history forms, and met with counselors individually and then in groups of five or six. Those who agreed to do so filled out another procedural questionnaire after they had gone through all other steps mentioned above. After the thirty minute recovery period, another questionnaire was handed out. Only twenty seven percent of the women showed up for their follow-up visit and were again asked to fill out a questionnaire. Those who did not show up were asked to mail in their follow-up questionnaire or were interviewed by a cpounselor at an agreed upon place. The women who participated in the follow-up study received twenty dollars.
|
