1. Women's Well-Being Post-Partum: The Role of Self-Objectification and Self-Compassion.
- Author
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Choma, Becky L., Cassin, Stephanie E., Montemarano, Vanessa, Piazza, Brigette, and Harrison, Ceilidh
- Subjects
SEXUAL objectification ,BODY image ,GENDER stereotypes ,PERSONAL beauty ,MOTHERHOOD ,SELF-compassion ,PUERPERIUM ,WELL-being - Abstract
Objectification of women is heightened during the reproductive years and is associated with a myriad of adverse outcomes. Yet, little research has examined the impact of self-objectification among postpartum women and whether potential effects can be ameliorated. The current study investigated the association between self-objectification and well-being among women who had given birth in the last three years, and whether self-compassion moderated or mediated the link. As hypothesized, women (N = 162) higher in self-objectification reported greater body shame, appearance anxiety, depressive symptoms, and disordered eating, and lower life satisfaction, self-esteem, and more negative experience being a mother, whereas women higher in self-compassion reported more positive outcomes on these measures. Self-compassion mediated the association between self-objectification and poorer well-being on most outcomes. Unexpectedly, neither self-objectification nor self-compassion were associated with sexual dysfunction or breastfeeding confidence. The findings suggest that although women might be prone to self-objectification and body shame during the postpartum period, self-compassion explains this relation and potentially holds promise for disrupting negative experiences during the transition to motherhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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