Abortion-Related Experiences, Trauma Symptoms, and Adolescent Mental Health in Albania: A Quantitative Study Among High School Students

Abstract

This study examines the association between abortion-related experiences, trauma-related symptoms, and adolescent mental health among high school students in Albania. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed using convenience and snowball sampling (N=53). Participants reported either direct or indirect abortion-related experiences involving themselves, partners, friends, or close contacts. Standardized instruments were used to assess trauma-related symptoms and psychosocial outcomes. Results indicated moderate trauma symptom levels, particularly avoidance and hyperarousal. No statistically significant gender differences were identified, and age was not significantly associated with trauma indicators. A significant positive association was observed between symptom duration and trauma severity. The findings should be interpreted as associative rather than causal and highlight the importance of broader psychosocial, cultural, and contextual factors when examining adolescent mental health. These results highlight that while abortion itself may not be a direct predictor of adverse mental health outcomes, adolescents may experience notable trauma-related symptoms influenced by broader psychosocial and contextual factors. The findings underscore the importance of adopting a multifactorial and culturally sensitive approach when addressing adolescent mental health in relation to reproductive experiences. Implications for early psychological screening, school-based interventions, and improved access to mental health support services are discussed.

Received: 21 March 2026  │  Accepted: 2 July 2026  │  Published: 23 July 2026