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Depression and abnormal cortisol patterns during pregnancy have been shown to have negative health outcomes for both mothers and their infants. However, no studies have investigated whether dimensions of body image are associated with depressive symptoms or cortisol among ethnic minority women during pregnancy. The current study examined whether dimensions of body image during pregnancy were associated with prenatal depression levels (CES-D) and salivary cortisol patterns. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that women who were more optimistic about their pregnancy weight gain had significantly greater depression levels (R2=.44, p<.001). Results also showed that women who had more negative beliefs about pregnancy beauty had significantly higher cortisol reactivity. Additionally, the same model showed that women who experienced more positive feelings as a result of comments that others made about their appearance had significantly higher cortisol reactivity (R 2=.57, p<.01).
Advisor: | Urizar, Guido G., Jr. |
Commitee: | |
School: | California State University, Long Beach |
School Location: | United States -- California |
Source: | MAI 50/01M, Masters Abstracts International |
Source Type: | DISSERTATION |
Subjects: | Clinical psychology, Physiological psychology |
Keywords: | |
Publication Number: | 1499305 |
ISBN: | 978-1-124-85803-6 |