Existential experiences and needs related to induced abortion in a group of Swedish women: a quantitative investigation

Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Maria Liljas StålhandskeMargareta Larsson

Abstract

To investigate the prevalence of existential experiences and needs among women who have requested an induced abortion. A questionnaire was used to collect information from 499 women who had requested an induced abortion. A principle component analysis resulted in three components of existential experiences and needs: existential thoughts, existential practices, and humanisation of the foetus. These components were analysed in relation to background data and other data from the questionnaire. Existential experiences and needs were common. For 61% of women existential thoughts about life and death, meaning and morality were related to the abortion experience. Almost 50% of women reported a need for special acts in relation to the abortion; 67% of women thought of the pregnancy in terms of a child. A higher presence of existential components correlated to difficulty in making the abortion decision and poor psychological wellbeing after the abortion. Women's experiences of abortion can include existential thoughts about life, death, meaning and morality, feelings of attachment to the foetus, and the need for symbolic expression. This presents a challenge for abortion personnel, as the situation involves complex aspects over and abo...Continue Reading

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Citations

Mar 7, 2014·Contraception·Inga-Maj AnderssonKyllike Christensson
Oct 19, 2013·The Journal of Maternal-fetal & Neonatal Medicine : the Official Journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians·Anna Michalik, Krzysztof Preis
Nov 19, 2014·Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology·Susanna HolmlundPäivi Rautava
Dec 19, 2017·The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care : the Official Journal of the European Society of Contraception·Caroline JanssonAnneli Stavreus-Evers
Jan 30, 2019·The Journal of Nursing Research : JNR·Ruveyde AydinKamile Kabukcuoğlu

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