Self-efficacy as a moderator in the relationship between body image and health behaviors in pregnant women
Abstract During pregnancy, women often experience shifts in their body image perspective. Active engagement in positive health behaviors is crucial for achieving optimal pregnancy outcomes and promoting healthy fetal development. In this context, self-efficacy may influence how body image perception...
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| Format: | Article |
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Nature Portfolio
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-01784-8 |
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| author | Agnieszka Bień Joanna Grzesik-Gąsior Dorota Ćwiek Beata Pięta Bożena Kulesza-Brończyk Grażyna Bączek |
| author_facet | Agnieszka Bień Joanna Grzesik-Gąsior Dorota Ćwiek Beata Pięta Bożena Kulesza-Brończyk Grażyna Bączek |
| author_sort | Agnieszka Bień |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract During pregnancy, women often experience shifts in their body image perspective. Active engagement in positive health behaviors is crucial for achieving optimal pregnancy outcomes and promoting healthy fetal development. In this context, self-efficacy may influence how body image perception translates into such behaviors.This study aimed to determine whether self-efficacy among pregnant women moderates the relationship between body image and their health behaviors. The study was conducted from December 2023 to July 2024, involving 921 pregnant women in Poland. A diagnostic survey method using a questionnaire technique was applied. The research instruments included the generalized self-efficacy scale, body esteem scale, positive health behavior scale, and a standardized interview questionnaire. Pregnant women with a more positive attitude toward their bodies demonstrated a greater tendency to engage in positive health behaviors during pregnancy (p < 0.001). For sexual attractiveness, a positive association with positive health behaviors was maintained across all levels of self-efficacy (p < 0.001). A significant positive association with positive health behaviors was found for weight concerns (p < 0.001) and physical condition (p = 0.013), but only at moderate and high levels of self-efficacy. The impact of body image on positive health behaviors is more pronounced in women with higher levels of self-efficacy, although this relationship varies across different aspects of body image. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-cefb55f9863c44789e7e78622ac2daa0 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
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| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-cefb55f9863c44789e7e78622ac2daa02025-08-20T02:34:07ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-05-0115111010.1038/s41598-025-01784-8Self-efficacy as a moderator in the relationship between body image and health behaviors in pregnant womenAgnieszka Bień0Joanna Grzesik-Gąsior1Dorota Ćwiek2Beata Pięta3Bożena Kulesza-Brończyk4Grażyna Bączek5Chair of Obstetrics Development, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of LublinState University of Applied Sciences in KrosnoDepartment of Obstetrics and Pathology of Pregnancy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pomeranian Medical University in SzczecinPractical Midwifery Science Faculty, Poznan University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Maternity Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of BialystokDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology Didactics, Medical University of WarsawAbstract During pregnancy, women often experience shifts in their body image perspective. Active engagement in positive health behaviors is crucial for achieving optimal pregnancy outcomes and promoting healthy fetal development. In this context, self-efficacy may influence how body image perception translates into such behaviors.This study aimed to determine whether self-efficacy among pregnant women moderates the relationship between body image and their health behaviors. The study was conducted from December 2023 to July 2024, involving 921 pregnant women in Poland. A diagnostic survey method using a questionnaire technique was applied. The research instruments included the generalized self-efficacy scale, body esteem scale, positive health behavior scale, and a standardized interview questionnaire. Pregnant women with a more positive attitude toward their bodies demonstrated a greater tendency to engage in positive health behaviors during pregnancy (p < 0.001). For sexual attractiveness, a positive association with positive health behaviors was maintained across all levels of self-efficacy (p < 0.001). A significant positive association with positive health behaviors was found for weight concerns (p < 0.001) and physical condition (p = 0.013), but only at moderate and high levels of self-efficacy. The impact of body image on positive health behaviors is more pronounced in women with higher levels of self-efficacy, although this relationship varies across different aspects of body image.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-01784-8Pregnant womenSelf-efficacyBody imageHealth behaviors |
| spellingShingle | Agnieszka Bień Joanna Grzesik-Gąsior Dorota Ćwiek Beata Pięta Bożena Kulesza-Brończyk Grażyna Bączek Self-efficacy as a moderator in the relationship between body image and health behaviors in pregnant women Scientific Reports Pregnant women Self-efficacy Body image Health behaviors |
| title | Self-efficacy as a moderator in the relationship between body image and health behaviors in pregnant women |
| title_full | Self-efficacy as a moderator in the relationship between body image and health behaviors in pregnant women |
| title_fullStr | Self-efficacy as a moderator in the relationship between body image and health behaviors in pregnant women |
| title_full_unstemmed | Self-efficacy as a moderator in the relationship between body image and health behaviors in pregnant women |
| title_short | Self-efficacy as a moderator in the relationship between body image and health behaviors in pregnant women |
| title_sort | self efficacy as a moderator in the relationship between body image and health behaviors in pregnant women |
| topic | Pregnant women Self-efficacy Body image Health behaviors |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-01784-8 |
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