Mental Health Support Following Abortion: Partners in the Focus

Despite the growing awareness of post-abortion mental health, existing literature and subsequent care guidelines largely focus on the mental wellbeing of women. While this focus is undoubtedly vital, it is equally important to acknowledge that the effects of abortion extend beyond women obtaining them, that is, their partners (Coyle, 2007). Previous research has demonstrated that abortion can profoundly affect the mental health of men involved (Due et al., 2017; Nagy & Rigo, 2019), and support is needed to mitigate these effects (Koert et al., 2018; Lauzon et al., 2000; Mackenzius et al., 2012; Karali et al., 2021; Nagy & Rigo, 2019). However, the specific ways in which men are supported within the context of abortion remain unexplored. Therefore, it is unclear whether this population is receiving the mental health support that is wanted, needed, and effective following the abortion experience. Using reflexive thematic analysis, this study explored men’s experiences post-abortion, focusing on what support looked like for this population and barriers to having their supportive needs met. The findings were captured in four themes (i.e., Difficult Experience, Limited Support Received, Functioning as a Supportive Partner, Ambiguity Around Support) and fourteen subthemes. Narratives revealed that men involved in abortion navigate an emotionally complex experience shaped by cultural narratives, stigma, and social norms. Despite this, their experiences are rarely acknowledged and support is limited. In response, men adopted a supportive role, prioritizing their partner’s needs over their own. Support was often unknown, unavailable, or underused due to personal hesitations and external barriers. Study limitations and directions for future research are discussed.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Counseling Psychology

Grantor

Texas Tech University

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Paez, Emily Claire

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Garos, Sheila

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Warlick, Craig A., Pina Watson, Brandy,
• Piña-Watson, Brandy
• Borgogna, Nicholas C.

Language dc:language.iso

English

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2346/105313

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ttu-ir.tdl.org:2346/105313