The Assessment and Treatment of Post-Abortion Syndrome: A Systematic Case Study From Southern Africa

Authors

  • Melissa Boulind Department of Psychology, Rhodes University
  • David J.A. Edwards Department of Psychology, Rhodes University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14713/pcsp.v6i4.1053

Keywords:

post-abortion syndrome, integration, case study

Abstract

This article reports a clinical case study of "Grace", a black Zimbabwean woman with post-abortion syndrome (PAS), a form of post-traumatic stress disorder precipitated by aborting an unwanted pregnancy. She was treated by a middle class white South African trainee Clinical Psychologist. The case narrative documents the assessment and the course of treatment which was guided by ongoing case formulation based on current evidence-based models. Factors that made her vulnerable to developing PTSD included active suppression of the memory of the event and lack of social support. An understanding of these factors was used to guide an effective intervention. In spite of the differences in culture and background between client and therapist, there was considerable commonality in their experience as young women and students who each had to balance personal and occupational priorities. The narrative also highlights the commonalities of Grace’s experiences with those reported in the literature on post-abortion syndrome, which is mostly from the U. S. A. and Europe.

Author Biographies

Melissa Boulind, Department of Psychology, Rhodes University

Man Fishman, Ph.D. Editor-in-Chief, Pragmatic Case Studies in Psychotherapy Professor of Clinical and Organizational Psychology Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology Rutgers University Mailing address: 57 Jaffray Court Irvington, NY 10533 914-693-8549 fax: 603-917-2567 email: dfish96198@aol.com

David J.A. Edwards, Department of Psychology, Rhodes University

David J.A. Edwards

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Published

2010-12-22

Issue

Section

Reprinted Articles Linked to David Edwards' Original Article on "Therapist Responsiveness"