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Sources of Self-Esteem I: Family Experience

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Self-esteem, a crucial component of psychological development, is significantly shaped by familial experiences. The early parent-child relationship serves as a foundational influence on a child's self-concept, with long-lasting effects extending into adolescence and adulthood.Parental Behaviors and Early Self-Esteem FormationEmpirical studies have identified four principal parental behaviors that foster healthy self-esteem in children. These include expressions of acceptance, affection, and...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design

Published on: May 31, 2021

Self-esteem, partner support, and body image changes across pregnancy.

Esra Keles¹, Leyla Kaya², Yıldız Bilge³

¹Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Health Sciences, Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.

Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology

|July 9, 2026

Summary

Pregnancy negatively impacts body image and sexual function, but relationship quality improves. Self-esteem influences body image through partner support and relationship adjustment during pregnancy.

Keywords:

Body image mediation analysis pregnancy self-concept self-esteem spouses

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Electromyometrial Imaging of Uterine Contractions in Pregnant Women

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Published on: May 26, 2023

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Last Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design

Published on: May 31, 2021

Electromyometrial Imaging of Uterine Contractions in Pregnant Women

Electromyometrial Imaging of Uterine Contractions in Pregnant Women

Published on: May 26, 2023

Area of Science:

Reproductive Health
Psychology
Sociology

Background:

Pregnancy significantly alters a woman's physical and psychological state.
Understanding changes in body image, self-esteem, and relationship dynamics is crucial for maternal well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

To longitudinally assess changes in body image, self-esteem, spousal support, dyadic adjustment, and sexual function throughout pregnancy.
To investigate the mediating role of relationship factors in the link between self-esteem and body image.

Main Methods:

A prospective longitudinal cohort study of 266 pregnant women from the first to third trimester.
Utilized validated scales for body image, self-esteem, spousal support, dyadic adjustment, and sexual function.
Mediation analyses controlled for pre-pregnancy BMI.

Main Results:

Body image significantly deteriorated, and sexual function declined from early to late pregnancy.
Self-esteem remained stable, while relationship quality generally improved.
Self-esteem influenced body image directly and indirectly via relationship quality, with spousal support and dyadic adjustment playing key mediating roles.

Conclusions:

Pregnancy is associated with declines in body image and sexual function, alongside improvements in relationship quality.
Self-esteem impacts body image through relationship factors, particularly partner support and dyadic adjustment.
Mechanisms influencing sexual function changes during pregnancy may differ from those affecting body image.