Abstract
Although an important theoretical concept, little is known about the development of maternal self-esteem. This study explores the significance of maternal cognitions, psychopathological symptoms, and child temperament in the prediction of prenatal and postnatal maternal self-esteem. During pregnancy 162 women completed measures assessing their unhealthy core beliefs, psychopathological symptoms, and self-esteem. At 1 year postpartum 87 of these women completed measures assessing their self-esteem and their child's temperament. Overall maladaptive maternal core beliefs and psychopathological symptoms during pregnancy explained 19% of the variance in prenatal maternal self-esteem. Forty-two percent of the variance in maternal self-esteem at 1 year could be explained by a combination of prenatal maternal self-esteem, mental health symptoms, maternal core beliefs, and more unsociable infant temperament. Underlying maternal cognitive structures may be important in determining the development of maternal self-esteem.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 517-535 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Infant Mental Health Journal |
Volume | 28 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2007 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Psychology
- Developmental and Educational Psychology