The abortion decision: fantasy processes.
This paper considers that features intrinsic to pregnancy and to an unwanted pregnancy/abortion decision heighten the likelihood of the occurrence, and the importance, of fantasy in the decision-maker's thinking. In addition, investigation of fantasy or non-rational processes in an abortion decision emphasizes the complexity of decision-making in a way which may challenge ideas of decision-making in general. The results of a pilot study using a short fantasy inventory with 20 women facing an abortion decision are presented to highlight fantasy, not as irrational or pathological, but as legitimately coexisting with logical, reasoning, non-fantasy thought in the abortion decision. The clinical value of the fantasy inventory is explored.
Fertility Control Clinic, East Melbourne, Australia.
S
S
Allanson
J
J
Astbury
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000523:psychology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003657:Decision Making; D005201:Fantasy; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008128:Logic; D008273:Magic; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000592:standards; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011275:Pregnancy, Unwanted / Q000523:psychology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results