Date of Award
11-15-2017
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology and University Honors
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Christopher Allen
Subjects
Women -- Psychology, Body image in women, Postnatal care, New mothers -- Body image -- Psychological aspects
DOI
10.15760/honors.490
Abstract
Pregnancy is stressful to a woman’s body and often leaves physical reminders such as stretch marks, loose skin, or scars that last for many months or years after giving birth. This study used semi-structured interviews and an inductive qualitative approach to interview eight participants and explore some of the methods women uses to cope with body changes from pregnancy. Analysis of interview transcripts revealed the most common changes experienced during pregnancy were weight gain, hair growth, and stretch marks; after pregnancy, weight loss, hair loss, and sagging breasts were the most common changes. The dominant coping strategy cited by participants was normalization; reaffirmation from the baby or child and purchasing better fitting clothes were additional coping strategies. Clinical implications of these findings include the need for better support systems for mothers who experience distress due to body changes during pregnancy and after birth.
Persistent Identifier
http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/22780
Recommended Citation
Lewis, Samantha, "Body Changes with Baby: A Qualitative Insight into Body Image After Birth" (2017). University Honors Theses. Paper 486.
https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/honorstheses/486
10.15760/honors.490