"MY BODY MY CHOICE": LIVED EXPERIENCES OF REPRODUCTIVE COERCION AND RELATED PREGNANCIES

Author

• Selina Hardt, University of Montana, MissoulaFollow

Year of Award

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

Master of Arts (MA)

Degree Name

Clinical Psychology

Department or School/College

Psychology

Committee Chair

Dr. Rachel Williamson

Commitee Members

Dr. Caitlin Martin-Wagar, Dr. Julie Olomi, Dr. Jessica Liddell

Keywords

reproductive coercion, intimate partner violence, existential concerns, pregnancy, trauma-informed care

Subject Categories

Clinical Psychology

Abstract

Reproductive coercion has received little research and policy attention, despite it being associated with poor reproductive health, unintended pregnancy, intimate partner violence and homicide, poor parenting outcomes, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Existential trauma attempts to address aspects of human coping that are not considered as part of the PTSD diagnosis and may be particularly relevant to the experience of reproductive coercion. This study sought to understand the experiences of individuals who have experienced reproductive coercion and a related pregnancy, including existential concerns. The study featured an exploratory mixed methods research design. Eligible participants (N=15) were recruited to respond to a survey assessing experiences of reproductive coercion, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, existential concerns, psychopathology, unintended pregnancy, and parenting. A smaller purposive sub-sample (N=5) was recruited to participate in qualitative interviews, focusing on topics such as agency, coping, help-seeking, stigmatization, and identity related to their experience of reproductive coercion. Findings of this study may contribute to the development of treatment targets for individuals who have experienced reproductive coercion and informing affirming provider practices. Examining the key constructs of existential concerns in the context of trauma could provide insight into a less recognized dimension of psychological impact among survivors of sexual violence.

Recommended Citation

Hardt, Selina, ""MY BODY MY CHOICE": LIVED EXPERIENCES OF REPRODUCTIVE COERCION AND RELATED PREGNANCIES" (2026). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 12677.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/12677