Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
07:40
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.
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.
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