The relationship between psychological wellbeing and body image in pregnant women

Abstract

Background:The aim of the present study was to determine the association between body image and psychological wellbeing during pregnancy.Materials and Methods:This descriptive correlational study was conducted on 320 pregnant women who were referred to health centers in Isfahan, Iran, during 2016 and had the inclusion criteria. They were selected by nonprobability convenient sampling. Data were gathered using standard psychological wellbeing and body image satisfaction questionnaires. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software by descriptive and inferential statistical methods.Results:The results showed that the mean (SD) score of psychological wellbeing among participants was 77.50 (10.10) and their mean (SD) score of satisfaction with body image was 89.30 (14.60). Moreover, the results revealed a positive and significant relationship between the scores of psychological wellbeing and body image satisfaction (r=0.354, p <0.001). The results of regression analysis showed that the two variables of self-acceptance (t = 5.6, p <0.001) and personal growth (t = 2.06, p = 0.04)) can predict body image in pregnant women.Conclusions:The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between body image satisfaction and psychological wellbeing. Therefore, the training of positive attitude with respect to body image or increasing the level of knowledge on psychological wellbeing can create a positive cycle for these variables, and thus, make the pregnancy more enjoyable and acceptable.

Psychometric properties of the Scale of Attitudes towards Pregnancy and Weight Gain in Mexican population

“…There is increasing evidence that pregnant women worry about issues related to their body image and weight gain throughout the entire pregnancy process (Fahami, Amini-Abchuyeh, & Aghaei, 2018;Meireles, Neves, de Carvalho, & Ferreira, 2015a). It is estimated that approximately 50% of pregnant women report feeling dissatisfied with their bodies and their weight (Shloim, Hetherington, Rudolf, & Feltbower, 2015;Sui, Turnbull, & Dodd, 2013).…”

Peranan Psychological Well-Being Dan Religiusitas Perempuan Primigravida Dalam Tradisi Pengasingan Nuhune

“…Kecemasan adalah salah satu emosi dalam diri manusia yang memengaruhi fungsi fisiologis dan psikologis serta tetap ada dalam diri manusia sepanjang hidup (Sulima et al, 2014). Beberapa penelitian meyakini bahwa proses kehamilan dapat mengganggu psychological wellbeing dan kesehatan mental, penyebab dasar stres, kecemasan dan depresi selama dan setelah kehamilan, kelainan emosional pada anak serta meningkatkan risiko masalah perilaku pada anak usia dini (Fahami et al, 2018). Masa kehamilan dan transisi perempuan menjadi seorang ibu adalah suatu masa perubahan fisiologis, psikologis dan sosial yang berlangsung secara cepat serta berpotensi menjadi tantangan dan ketegangan bagi perempuan (McNamara et al, 2019).…”

Development and Psychometric Properties of the Self-Acceptance Scales for Pregnant and Postpartum Women

“…They found that pregnant women with pathology had lowered self-acceptance compared to pregnant women without pathology. Fahami et al (2018) evaluated self-acceptance as a component of psychological wellbeing among pregnant women from Iran, and these authors indicated that self-acceptance and personal growth positively predicted positive body image in this population. Psychological wellbeing has been found to create a positive cycle for body image and make the pregnancy more enjoyable and acceptable (Fahami et al, 2018).…”

“…Of note, these studies relied upon self-acceptance scales that had been validated in populations of young adults outside of the perinatal period (Babieva et al, 2018;Bailey & Hailey, 1986;Dimitrovsky et al, 1998;Fahami et al, 2018;Podolska et al, 2013;Podolska et al, 2009). Yet, physical and psychological experiences of women who are pregnant or postpartum have unique facets that raise questions as to whether existing scales developed among other women are appropriate.…”