The assessment and treatment of post-abortion syndrome : a systematic case study from Southern Africa

Boulind, Melissa; Edwards, David J A

Title: The assessment and treatment of post-abortion syndrome : a systematic case study from Southern Africa
Creator: Boulind, Melissa
Creator: Edwards, David J A
Date Issued: 2008
Date: 2008
Type: Article
Identifier: vital:6270
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008270
Description: 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.
Format: 10 p.
Format: pdf
Language: English
Relation: Boulind, Melissa and Edwards, D.J.A. (2008) The assessment and treatment of post-abortion syndrome: a systematic case study from southern Africa. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 18 (4). pp. 539-548. ISSN 1433-0237

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Gender Action Forum (GENACT)

Edwards, David J A (Prof Emeritus)

SDG 05. Gender Equality

RU Department of Psychology

SDG 03. Good Health and Well-Being

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