2022 Volume 10 Issue 3 Pages 80-87
Background: Determinants that predict consideration of termination of pregnancy (TOP) among women with perceived stress during pregnancy are unclear.
Objective: To explore the determinants of consideration of TOP among women who perceive the current pregnancy as stressful in the framework of stress psychology.
Methods: A total of 696 pregnant women at gestational age 12–15 weeks participated in an online survey regarding TOP as assessed with an original scale, perceived stress of the current pregnancy, coping style, social support, and depressive mood.
Results: Multiple regression analyses revealed that depression, emotion-oriented coping style, satisfaction with instrumental support, and perceived stress during pregnancy predict consideration of TOP. These findings were supported by structural equation modelling; the constructed model explained 79% of the variance in consideration of TOP. The effect of poor satisfaction with instrumental support on consideration of TOP was mediated by depression.
Conclusions: Consideration of TOP can be predicted by depression, emotion-oriented coping style, and perceived stress during pregnancy.
