Kay Sio Nga Chang
University of Macau, Macau
Title: Postnatal psychosocial adjustments among new mothers: Body image dissatisfaction, postpartum depression and marital satisfaction of mothers after childbirth
Biography
Biography: Kay Sio Nga Chang
Abstract
Giving birth is an undeniably defining moment of every mother and the postnatal care, in one form or the other, is a crucial adjustment period for women of cross cultures. Yet, the psychosocial factors that add on the demands of new mothers and their self-evaluations are lesser known. This ethnic-specific study investigated the relationships among body image dissatisfaction, postpartum depression, marital satisfaction and objectified body consciousness perceived by women after childbirth within one to six months in Macau. Data from 70 mothers were collected locally from two clinics and one hospital. Results showed a prevalence rate of postpartum depression of 18.6% among these understudied mothers. Both body image dissatisfaction and marital satisfaction were found to contribute to postpartum depression. Body surveillance and body shame were positive predictors of body image dissatisfaction. Furthermore, significant discrepancies in body mass index and body image dissatisfaction suggest a considerable level of body image distortion. Clinical implications of this study for psychiatric and psychological service providers are discussed.