Abstract

COSME, Maria João Mendes  and  LEAL, Isabel Pereira. Interrupção voluntária da gravidez e distúrbio pós-traumático de stress . Aná. Psicológica [online]. 1998, vol.16, n.3, pp.447-462. ISSN 0870-8231.

The study presented in this article intended to find out if the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) existed in a sample of women who had experienced a situation of abortion, knowing that certain conditions contribute to the existence of such a disorder. In compliance with the hypothesis that was raised from an extensive literature review, we verified that from a total of 30 womem, 6 of them, 20%, had the PTSD. We also discovered that being an adolescent was a factor that contributed to the existence of the disorder. The number of weeks of the pregnancy by the time it was terminated was also important, becoming increasingly dangerous after the second trimester. It was also demonstrated that the women in the refered situation, having had an abortion, made more use of an avoidance mecanism of defense, trying to avoid the traumatic memories of the event.

Keywords : Abortion; stress; trauma.

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