The Role of the Partner in Negative Post-Abortion Emotions and Decision Satisfaction

Abstract

By addressing a research gap in recent literature, the research aims to enhance understanding of the role of the partner in the emotional impact of abortion. This is accomplished through the analyses of relationships between partner (non-)disclosure, social support, and conflict, and negative post-abortion emotions and decision satisfaction. Furthermore, the mediating effect of decision satisfaction is tested and reasons for non-disclosure to the man involved in the pregnancy are analyzed. The study uses cross-sectional data from the Dutch Abortion and Mental Health Study (DAMHS), collected through structured face-to-face interviews. The sample used for the main analyses includes 265 Dutch-speaking women who were pregnant from their partner and underwent self-chosen abortion. To analyze the data we used One-Way ANOVA, linear regression analyses, frequency analysis and PROCESS. Significant relationships were identified between conflict with the partner and negative post-abortion emotions, as well as between decision satisfaction and negative post-abortion emotions. No significant associations were observed for social support, decision satisfaction, and (non-)disclosure. Furthermore, the analysis showed that reasons for non-disclosure predominantly stemmed from feelings of stigma. The findings of this research contribute to our understanding of the role played by partners in shaping post-abortion emotions and decision satisfaction. The gained insights can inform future research and the development of interventions aimed at providing better support for women going through an abortion process.