Cognition, emotion, and behaviour in women undergoing pregnancy termination for foetal anomaly: A grounded theory analysis

Abstract

ObjectiveTo understand the cognition, emotions, and behaviour of women who had recently undergone termination due to a foetal anomaly. In this study, we developed and tested a theoretical model to describe how women went through the process after termination. Study DesignA grounded theory study. SettingThree general hospitals and one special hospital in Changsha, Hunan, China. Participants41 women who had recently undergone a pregnancy termination. MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted from May to September 2017. A combination of convenience sampling and theoretical sampling was used, and conceptual depth criteria were used to measure the progress of the theoretical sampling. FindingsThis study developed a cognitive-behavioural experience framework of women undergoing pregnancy termination due to a foetal anomaly. The model included 4 phases: 1. Denial Phase, 2. Confirmation Phase, 3. Decision-making Phase and 4. Recovery Phase. Different cognitive appraisal, emotional, and behavioural reactions were included in each phase, and the different reactions influenced one another. Key Conclusions & implications for practiceWe built and tested a theoretical framework by interviewing women who had gone through a pregnancy termination. The framework describes their experiences more clearly from three dimensions, including cognitive appraisal, emotional reaction, and behavioural response in the different phases. This framework provides a basic understanding of the women's emotional process and, therefore, provides baseline data for developing an effective intervention to help women cope with termination stresses.