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Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
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A qualitative insight into the relationship between postpartum depression and body image
Eliza Hartley1, Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz1, Helen Skouteris2
1School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology
|January 3, 2020
Summary
Postpartum depression is linked to poor body image in new mothers. Understanding this connection can help women manage negative feelings and improve emotional health after childbirth.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health
- Psychiatry
- Women's health
Background:
- Postpartum body changes significantly impact maternal mood and body image.
- The specific experience of body image in depressed postpartum women is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To qualitatively explore the lived experience of body image concerns in women with postpartum depression.
- To compare these experiences with non-depressed postpartum women.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen women in their first postpartum year were interviewed (7 with depression, 10 without).
- Qualitative telephone interviews were conducted.
- Thematic content analysis was used to identify key themes in women's narratives.
Main Results:
- Distinct differences were found in the body image-mood relationship for women with postpartum depression compared to those without.
- Themes related to motherhood expectations, mood, and body image were explored.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between poor body image and depressive symptoms in the postpartum period.
- Understanding this link can aid in managing negative postpartum body image and preventing worsening emotional health.
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