| Abstract: | Discusses the stresses of unwanted pregnancy for women, their partners and families, and health professionals. Psychologists are considered capable of reducing the likelihood of unwanted pregnancy as well as contributing to a constructive resolution of the crisis. Factors that are often associated with contraceptive use and nonuse are highlighted. It is also shown that socialization in traditional sex roles contributes to ineffective contraceptive protection. Problems associated with the resolution of unwanted pregnancy are presented, such as resentment toward the child, the sense of loss for the adopted child or the aborted fetus, and depression. (36 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
