PREGNANCY DECISION-MAKING AS A SIGNIFICANT LIFE EVENT - A COMMITMENT APPROACH

A value-laden basis for commitment to goals and the behavioral and aff ective sequelae of commitment were examined in the context of a stress ful life event. Fifty-seven women who were interviewed during a clinic visit for a pregnancy test (Time 1 [T1]) subsequently received positi ve test results and were then interviewed 2 days later (Time 2 [T2]) a nd a month later (Time 3 [T3]). The intentionality and the meaning of the pregnancy were associated with self-reported commitment to the pre gnancy at T1. In turn, commitment predicted affective states both prio r to (T1) and shortly after (T2) receiving test results. Initial commi tment also predicted decisions to continue versus to terminate the pre gnancy. The decision to continue the pregnancy appeared to bolster sel f-reported commitment. Relatedly, those continuing the pregnancy repor ted smoking fewer cigarettes at T3 than at T1. For those aborting the pregnancy, commitment at T1 was negatively related to adjustment at T3 . Initial commitment predicted subsequent depression, guilt, and hosti lity among those who aborted, whereas commitment predicted anxiety amo ng those who continued the pregnancy. Other correlates of commitment ( pregnancy concerns, religion, abortion history, and other life goals) were explored.