Depression, anxiety, self-efficacy, and self-esteem in high-risk pregnancy
Aurora Scabia1, Maria A Donati2, Caterina Primi3
1Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy - a_scabia@hotmail.com.
Background:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of depression, state and trait anxiety, self-efficacy, and self-esteem among women with high-risk pregnancy due to previous adverse pregnancy outcomes (PAPOs) or prepregnancy diseases (PPD), before and after delivery, compared to controls.
Methods:
An observational longitudinal study on psychological dimensions was conducted on 86 women attending a university referral center for high-risk pregnancy, by administering the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Self-esteem Scale. A pretest (in the third trimester of pregnancy) and a follow-up measurement session (one month after the delivery) were applied. PAPOs group, PPD group and controls were compared.
Results:
The PAPOs group had higher levels of depression compared to the other groups, with above-threshold levels. However, a more relevant decrease in depression was found in the PAPOs group after delivery. Levels of self-efficacy and self-esteem were unexpectedly high during and after pregnancy in all the groups.
Conclusions:
A PAPO represents a risk factor for depression development during pregnancy, whereas a PPD seems to be less relevant in influencing affective dimensions. Surprisingly, all pregnant women, independently of the obstetric risk, showed high levels of self-efficacy and self-esteem.
Related Concept Videos
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...


