Abstract

GUEDES, Maryse; GAMEIRO, Sofia  and  CANAVARRO, Maria Cristina. Early relational experiences, vulnerability to stress, coping styles and adjustment to the decision and experience of induced abortion. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2010, vol.11, n.2, pp.199-217. ISSN 1645-0086.

The decision of induced abortion constitutes an emotionally exigent experience that implicates the mobilization of woman’s personal resources. In this sense, it is important to identify the psychological factors that may influence women’s adjustment to this reproductive resolution, in order to prepare appropriated psychological interventions. This prospective study aimed to investigate the relation between the memories of parental educative styles, vulnerability to stress and coping of 53 women who seeked for the Reproductive Counselling Consultation at the Maternity Doctor Daniel de Matos of the University of Coimbra Hospitals, between December 2007 and March 2008 to abort, and their adjustment during the decision period and after the abortion. Parental educative styles (EMBU - Childhood Memories) and vulnerability to stress (23 QVS) were assessed at the moment of decision. Coping styles (COPE Inventory adapted for induced abortion) was assessed after the abortion. Adjustment (Emotional Assessment Scale, Brief Symptom Inventory) was assessed in both assessment moments. In both assessment moments, maternal overprotection and the vulnerability to stress revealed positive associations with indicators of psychopathology and negative emotional reactivity, as well as the use of religious coping, emotional ventilation and negation, in the post­abortion period. The implications of these results for research and clinical practice are discussed.

Keywords : Adaptation; psychological determinants; reproductive decision; voluntary termination of pregnancy.

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