Maternal Self-esteem Research Articles

Effect of Continued Midwifery Support in Labor on Childbirth Experience and Self-esteem of Primipara Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: During labor and delivery, mothers should be supported by people who give them comfort. The present study aims to determine the effect of continued midwifery support in labor on the childbirth experience and self-esteem of nulliparous women 6 weeks after childbirth. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was performed in 2021 on 70 pregnant women in the delivery ward. Participants were allocated to two groups through balanced block randomization. First, participants completed questionnaires. In the intervention group, the researcher stayed at the mother’s bedside and accompanied the mother continuously throughout the labor and up to 2 hours after childbirth. Both groups received routine care. Six weeks after childbirth, participants in both groups were contacted to complete the CEQ 2.0 and Rosenberg self-esteem questionnaires. The required data were collected and analyzed at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The mean (± SD) of childbirth experience 6 weeks after childbirth was 3.1 (± 0.2) in the intervention group and 2.6 (± 0.3) in the control group, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001) (Cohen’s d = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.3). The comparison of the mean of maternal self-esteem showed that this rate in the intervention group was 2.1 scores higher than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.02) (Cohen’s d = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.1, 1.1). Conclusions: Continued support of the midwife in labor and up to 2 hours after childbirth can lead to a better childbirth experience and enhance the mother’s self-esteem up to 6 weeks after childbirth.

Maternal self-esteem and self-efficacy as factors affecting maternal long-term breastfeeding: Α comprehensive review of the literature

Background: Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal feeding method for infants, providing numerous health benefits, both for the infant and the mother. Numerous factors have been noted to influence its success, and currently, maternal self-esteem and more particularly self-efficacy, have been recognized as important determinants as well. To this end, it is essential to take into account the role of maternal self-esteem in achieving and sustaining breastfeeding. Methods: This review of the current medical literature aims to investigate the correlation between maternal self-efficacy and breastfeeding duration. A total of 23 articles were selected for comprehensive review, following an online search for relevant literature dating from 2009 onward. All articles were analyzed, identifying key themes, approaches, and conclusions regarding breastfeeding behaviors and maternal self-efficacy. Results: The findings consistently demonstrated that higher levels of maternal self-efficacy were associated with better breastfeeding outcomes, including longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Interventions targeting self-efficacy, such as educational programs and counseling, were found to be effective in enhancing breastfeeding self-confidence and promoting prolonged breastfeeding. However, it was observed that maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy tends to decline over time, highlighting the need for continuous support and interventions. Conclusions: Maternal self-esteem, particularly self-efficacy, is vital in achieving long-term breastfeeding goals. Interventions and support programs that enhance maternal self-efficacy have shown promise in improving breastfeeding outcomes. Ongoing support, counseling, and access to breastfeeding resources are crucial for maintaining and improving self-efficacy levels throughout the breastfeeding journey. Healthcare professionals and policymakers should consider incorporating strategies to enhance maternal self-esteem into breastfeeding support initiatives for better breastfeeding outcomes. Further research is required to explore cultural and social influences on maternal self-esteem and develop tailored interventions for diverse populations

An exploration of risk factors in a community sample of low socioeconomic status youth in South Africa

Youth in low socioeconomic status communities experience multiple risks which disrupts their emotional, cognitive, and psychological development. In South Africa, there is a tacit acceptance of risk constructs as researched globally. This study examines risk occurrence with the aim of identifying and examining the uniqueness of risks in a community sample of youth. Data were collected from youth and their maternal caregivers through interviews and standardized instruments. Youth from grade 7 and grade 10, 9 to 18 years ( M = 13.11; SD = 1.54) were recruited. Sixty-five percent were female. Thirty-five frequent risk factors were identified using a z-test for proportion of means. Five risk factors, namely, low household income, race, English not being the primary home language of the parent, low maternal self-esteem, and low dyadic satisfaction, emerged as significant risks. Other risk factors (e.g., single-parent household), which feature prominently in international studies, did not emerge as significantly present. While risk occurrence in our sample shares commonalities with international trends, our study further highlights how risk is underscored and shaped by South Africa’s socioeconomic and political history. We argue that traditional concepts, like family, race, and language require conceptual review when undertaking research and developing policies and interventions that are relevant to South African communities.

A prediction model for childhood obesity risk using the machine learning method: a panel study on Korean children

Young children are increasingly exposed to an obesogenic environment through increased intake of processed food and decreased physical activity. Mothers’ perceptions of obesity and parenting styles influence children’s abilities to maintain a healthy weight. This study developed a prediction model for childhood obesity in 10-year-olds, and identify relevant risk factors using a machine learning method. Data on 1185 children and their mothers were obtained from the Korean National Panel Study. A prediction model for obesity was developed based on ten factors related to children (gender, eating habits, activity, and previous body mass index) and their mothers (education level, self-esteem, and body mass index). These factors were selected based on the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. The prediction model was validated with an Area Under the Receiver Operator Characteristic Curve of 0.82 and an accuracy of 76%. Other than body mass index for both children and mothers, significant risk factors for childhood obesity were less physical activity among children and higher self-esteem among mothers. This study adds new evidence demonstrating that maternal self-esteem is related to children’s body mass index. Future studies are needed to develop effective strategies for screening young children at risk for obesity, along with their mothers.

Positive maternal mental health attenuates the associations between prenatal stress and children's internalizing and externalizing symptoms.

Positive maternal mental health can improve perceptions of stressful situations and promote the use of adaptive coping strategies. However, few studies have examined how positive maternal mental health affects children's development. The aims of this study were to examine the associations between positive maternal mental health and children's internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and to ascertain whether positive maternal mental health moderated the associations between prenatal stress and children's internalizing and externalizing symptoms. This study is based on the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), and comprised 36,584 mother-child dyads. Prenatal stress was assessed using 41 self-reported items measured during pregnancy. Positive maternal mental health (self-efficacy, self-esteem, and enjoyment) was assessed by maternal report during pregnancy and postpartum. Child internalizing and externalizing symptoms were assessed by maternal report at age 5. Structural equation modeling was used for analysis. Maternal self-efficacy, self-esteem, and enjoyment were negatively associated with internalizing and externalizing symptoms in males and females. The association between prenatal stress and internalizing symptoms in males was stronger at low than at high levels of maternal self-esteem and enjoyment, whereas for females, the association was stronger at low than at high levels of maternal self-esteem and self-efficacy. This study provides evidence of associations between positive maternal mental health and children's mental health, and suggests that higher positive maternal mental health may buffer against the impacts of prenatal stress. Positive maternal mental health may represent an important intervention target to improve maternal-child well-being and foster intergenerational resilience.

Effects of integrated psychosocial stimulation (PS) and Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) on Children's development in rural Bangladesh: A cluster randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThere is evidence on benefits of psychosocial stimulation (PS) and cash transfer programmes in low- and middle-income countries on children's development. We integrated PS into an unconditional cash transfer (UCT) programme for poor Bangladeshi mothers to examine the effects on children's development. MethodsThis cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in rural Bangladesh from July 2017 to December 2018 in 33 clusters, with 11 clusters randomly assigned to each of the three arms, namely i) PS + UCT ii) UCT-only and iii) Comparison. We enrolled poor mothers and child (6–16 months) dyads eligible to receive maternity allowance by the Government of Bangladesh. Trained local women imparted training to mothers to provide psychosocial stimulation to their children for one year. Children's cognitive, language and motor development were measured with Bayley-III, behaviour with Wolke's ratings and maternal self-esteem with Rosenberg self-esteem scale. The analysis was intention-to-treat. ResultsOf the 594 mother-child dyads, 40 (6·8%) were lost to follow-up. Compared to UCT-only, children in the PS + UCT had significant improvement in cognitive (B = 2.96, 95% CI: 0.46–5.47, Effect Size [ES] 0.24SD) and language (2.73, 0.39–5.00, ES 0.21SD) scores and were more responsive to examiner (0.30, 0.06–0.52, ES 0.27SD), while compared to comparison group, they had significantly higher cognitive (3.37, 1.27–6.19, ES 0.32SD), language (2.82, 0.53–5.10, ES 0.24SD) and motor (2.65, 0.24–5.06, ES 0.22SD) scores and were more responsive to examiner (0.30, 0.08–0.52, ES 0.26 SD). The mothers’ self-esteem was significantly higher in PS + UCT (2.46, 0.94–3.98, ES 0.48 SD) and UCT-only (1.67, 0.02–3.20, ES 0.32 SD) compared to the comparison group. ConclusionPS integrated into an UCT programme benefited children's neurodevelopment and UCT improved mother's self-esteem. UCT programme may be an important platform for child stimulation programmes for rural poor populations.

Effects of Maternal Self-Esteem, Coparenting and Warmth in Early Childhood on Children’s Problem Behaviors at School Entry

Objectives: The present study examined the effects of maternal self-esteem, coparenting and warmth in early childhood on children’s problem behaviors at school entry.Methods: The data were drawn from the seventh (T1, age 5) and eighth (T2, age 6) waves of the Panel Study of Korean Children (PSKC). A total of 1,429 mothers of 6-year-old children at T2 participated in this study. Data were analyzed with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).Results: First, in relation to direct paths, the mother’s self-esteem at age 5 had direct effects on both internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors when children were aged 6 at school entry. Second, regarding indirect paths, mother’s self-esteem at age 5 had indirect effects on children’s internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors at age 6 through coparenting at age 5 and maternal warmth, respectively. Lastly, in relation to other indirect paths, mother’s self-esteem at age 5 had indirect effects on children’s internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors sequentially at age 6 through coparenting at age 5 and maternal warmth.Conclusion: This short-term longitudinal study explored whether mothers’ self-esteem, coparenting, and warmth in early childhood have crucial effects on children’s internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors at school entry. The results emphasize the importance of positive family dynamics in early years of life to prevent children’s problem behaviors. The findings of this study offer meaningful foundation for designing parenting education programs for parents and families as well as behavioral intervention programs for children, and they can ultimately serve as basic data for heathy development of children and family.

RELATIONSHIP OF SELF-ESTEEM TO POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION IN POSTPARTUM MOTHERS

Self-esteem influences women's transition to a new identity and adjustment of motherhood. Mothers with low self-esteem have poor coping, so it is easy to experience depression. In the postpartum period, physiological changes and psychological changes can trigger anxiety and depression that affect the bonding of the baby and mother. The purpose of this study was to find out if there was a link between self-esteem and postpartum depression. Method Quantitative research with cross-sectional design against 287 postpartum mothers 1-12 months meets inclusion criteria. Collection of research data in March – June 2016 in the working area of Puskesmas Ciputat Timur and Ciputat Tangerang Selatan; and Kebayoran Lama and Cilandak Jakarta Selatan. The research instrument uses the Indonesian version of the Edinburgh postpartum depression scale to measure postpartum depression and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale in Bahasa Indonesia to measure postpartum maternal self-esteem. Data collection with home visits. Test the statistic using Chi-square with α=0.05. The results showed that of the 38% of mothers with low self-esteem, 11.5% had postpartum depression. The chi-square test analysis results have a relationship between self-esteem and postpartum depression (p=0.002 value). Conclusion mothers with low self-esteem are at higher risk of causing postpartum depression, so it is necessary to increase postpartum mothers' self-esteem to undergo a transition period happily.

What matters to women in the postnatal period: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies.

The postnatal period is an underserved aspect of maternity care. Guidelines for postnatal care are not usually informed by what matters to the women who use it. This qualitative systematic review was undertaken to identify what matters to women in the postnatal period, to inform the scope of a new World Health Organization (WHO) postnatal guideline. We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, POPLINE, Global Index Medicus, EMBASE, LILACS, AJOL, and reference lists of eligible studies published January 2000-July 2019, reporting qualitative data on women's beliefs, expectations, and values relating to the postnatal period. Author findings were extracted, coded and synthesised using techniques derived from thematic synthesis. Confidence in the quality, coherence, relevance and adequacy of data underpinning the resulting findings was assessed using GRADE-CERQual. We included 36 studies from 15 countries, representing the views of more than 800 women. Confidence in most results was moderate to high. What mattered to women was a positive postnatal experience where they were able to adapt to their new self-identity and develop a sense of confidence and competence as a mother; adjust to changes in their intimate and family relationships, including their relationship to their baby; navigate ordinary physical and emotional challenges; and experience the dynamic achievement of personal growth as they adjust to the 'new normal' of motherhood and parenting in their own cultural context. This review provides evidence that what matters to women in the postnatal period is achieving positive motherhood (including maternal self-esteem, competence, and autonomy), as well as fulfilling adaptation to changed intimate and family relationships, and (re)gaining health and wellbeing for both their baby, and themselves. Where this process is optimal, it also results in joy, self-confidence, and an enhanced capacity to thrive in the new integrated identity of 'woman and mother'.

Do Maternal Depression and Self-Esteem Moderate and Mediate the Association Between Intimate Partner Violence After Childbirth and Postpartum Suicidal Ideation?

Intimate partner violence (IPV) during the perinatal period is believed to have an adverse effect on maternal mental health. Given the risks of suicide and related public health concerns, the aim of this study is to examine (1) the association of experiencing physical, psychological, and sexual IPV after childbirth on postpartum suicidal ideation (SI), and (2) whether postpartum depression and self-esteem act to mediate or moderate the relationship between IPV and postpartum SI. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 2015 to January 2016 in the Chandpur District of Bangladesh among 426 new mothers, aged 15 to 49 years, who were in the first 6 months postpartum. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the association between experiencing IPV and postpartum SI, controlling for a range of other known influences. The prevalence of postpartum SI was 30.8%. Accounting the influence of other confounders, the odds of postpartum SI were significantly higher among women who reported physical IPV victimization (adjusted odds ratio: 2.65; 95% confidence interval = 1.36, 5.18) at any point during the first 6 months following childbirth as opposed to those who did not. In addition, postpartum depression increased postpartum SI, while high self-esteem significantly reduced reports of SI. Both postpartum depression and maternal self-esteem notably mediate and moderate the effect of physical IPV after childbirth on postpartum SI. The findings illuminate that IPV victimization after childbirth significantly increases the odds of postpartum SI. This study reinforces the need to detect women with a history of IPV who may be at risk for SI, not only to offer them help and support but also to prevent or reduce SI.

Adolescents' compulsive sexual behavior: The role of parental competence, parents' psychopathology, and quality of parent-child communication about sex.

Background and aimsCompulsive sexual behavior (CSB) has implications for clinical and non-clinical adult populations. Disposition to CSB has been shown to influence adolescence sexual behaviors, but the development of adolescents’ disposition toward CSB has yet to be examined in the family context. In this study, we investigated whether parent–adolescent communication mediates the links between parental characteristics and adolescents’ CSB.MethodsThe sample included 275 Israeli families [triad of mothers (age = 34–63 years, M = 45.48, SD = 5.46), fathers (age = 36–83 years, M = 48.33, SD = 6.63), and one adolescent (48.2% boys, 51.1% girls; age = 14–18 years, M = 16.23, SD = 1.18)]. Parents completed measures of psychopathology, parental self-esteem, and parental self-efficacy, and adolescents completed measures of quality of sex-related communication and CSB.ResultsThe results indicate that, for girls, higher maternal self-esteem and lower psychopathology were linked with better sex-related communication and so with lower CSB. For boys, only parental religiosity was linked with the quality of sex-related communication and CSB, with religious parents having better communication than secular ones.DiscussionThe findings provide an opportunity for researchers to gain a better insight into the dynamics of familial factors in the development of CSB among adolescents.

Maternal adult attachment styles and mother–child transmissions of social skills and self-esteem

ABSTRACT Grounded in principles of attachment theory and social learning theory, the goal of this study was to investigate how maternal attachment styles relate to both parent and child psychosocial outcomes. Specifically, we examined maternal self-esteem and social skills as mediators in the relationship between maternal adult attachment styles and child social skills and self-esteem. Data were collected from 229 (N = 458) mother–child dyads who completed measures on attachment styles, social skills, and self-esteem. The results showed significant indirect effects from maternal secure and preoccupied attachments to child social skills via mother social skills. The results also showed an indirect link from maternal secure attachment to child self-esteem through mother self-esteem.

The Influence of Maternal Acceptance-Rejection and Adolescents Self Esteem to Bullying Behavior Junior High School Students

This study aimed to analyze the influence of maternal acceptance-rejection and self-esteem adolescents on bullying behavior of junior high school students. The study took place at two junior high schools located in Bogor City and involved 86 students who were selected using simple random sampling. The measuring instrument used in this study was a PAR adaptation from Rohner (1986) with a reliability of 0.785, self-esteem instrument adaptation from Rosenberg's (1965) with a reliability of 0.773, and a bullying behavior instrument adaptation from Hastuti, Herien, and Djaswelma (2015) with the reliability of 0.902. Data analysis used in this study was descriptive statistical analyses and statistical analyses of Pearson correlation and linear regression tests. The data were collected using self-administered questionnaires guided by the researcher. The results showed that more than half of adolescents had perceptions of affective parenting. However, about 40 percent of adolescents have self-esteem in the low category. The most common type of bullying behavior adolescents is verbal bullying. The test results showed that parents with aggression and undifferentiated rejection are unfortunately related to the adolescents’ bullying, and low adolescents’ self-esteem is followed by bullying behavior. Gender (male adolescents) and low self-esteem had a significant effect on bullying behavior. Meanwhile, parental rejection had a significant positive effect on bullying behavior.

Maternal Resilience as a Protective Factor Between Financial Stress and Child Outcomes

The physical, mental, and behavioral impact of living in poverty is significant; research shows that individuals who experience financial stress in childhood are more likely to suffer from impaired mental health and continue experiencing similar stressors in adulthood. Less clear is the role of maternal resilience on child outcomes in the face of financial stress. The current study focused on maternal resilience as a moderator between objective financial stress and child outcomes. Additionally, we proposed that subjective financial stress would mediate the interaction between maternal resilience and objective financial stress on child outcomes. To test these hypotheses, we utilized data from the Mothers’ Outcomes Matter Study in which 116 low-income mothers were interviewed about their stress, resilience, and their child’s mental, behavioral, and physical outcomes. Results suggest that maternal self-esteem and mastery buffer the relationship between objective financial stress and child outcomes, but subjective financial stress did not mediate the association.

A Parenting and Life Skills Intervention for Teen Mothers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Teen mothers were recruited from a teen-tot clinic with integrated medical care and social services. Participants were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive (1) teen-tot services plus 5 interactive parenting and life skills modules adapted from the Nurturing and Ansell-Casey Life Skills curricula, delivered by a nurse and social worker over the infant's first 15 months or (2) teen-tot services alone. A computerized questionnaire was self-administered at intake, 12, 24, and 36 months. Outcomes included maternal self-esteem, parenting attitudes associated with child maltreatment risk, maternal depression, life skills, and repeat pregnancy over a 36-month follow-up. We used generalized linear mixed modeling and logistic regression to examine intervention effects. Of 152 invited, 140 (92%) participated (intervention = 72; control = 68). At 36 months, maternal self-esteem was higher in the intervention group compared with controls (P = .011), with higher scores on preparedness for mothering role (P = .011), acceptance of infant (P = .008), and expected relationship with infant (P = .029). Repeat pregnancy by 36 months was significantly lower for intervention versus control participants. A brief parenting and/or life skills intervention paired with medical care for teens and their children has positive effects on maternal self-esteem and repeat pregnancy over 36 months.

Cash, Conditions and Child Development: Experimental Evidence from a Cash Transfer in Honduras

We explore the effects of a randomly assigned conditional cash transfer in Honduras (Bono 10000) on early childhood development. We find significant impacts on cognitive development in children 0-60 months, with an average effect size of 0.13 SD. We show differential impacts by type of transfer: 0-5-year-old children from families receiving the transfer, which targeted families with 0-5-year-old children only, benefited significantly from the program, whereas 0-5 year-olds in families receiving the education transfer, which targeted 6-18 year-olds, perceived no benefit. In comparison with other programs, the effect of this impact is sizeable (0.34 SD on average). Although the overall program appears to have slightly changed some behaviors that might affect children (i.e. decreased probability of maternal employment, and increased maternal self-esteem), we did not find heterogenous impacts of the Bono across these variables. Results are explained mainly by differences in conditions: while the education component imposed conditions only on children of schooling age, the transfer required regular health checkups of 0-5 year old children. The transfer families were more likely to attend health checkups, which may have induced behavior changes that improved children's health and cognitive development, including purchasing more nutritious food. These results imply that cash without well-targeted conditions attached, might not be as effective for the development of young children.

Cash, Conditions, and Child Development: Experimental Evidence from a Cash Transfer Program in Honduras

We explore the effects of a randomly assigned conditional cash transfer in Honduras (Bono 10000) on early childhood development. We find significant impacts on cognitive development in children 0-60 months, with an average effect size of 0.13 SD. We show differential impacts by type of transfer: 0-5-year-old children from families receiving the transfer, which targeted families with 0-5-year-old children only, benefited significantly from the program, whereas 0-5 year-olds in families receiving the education transfer, which targeted 6-18 year-olds, perceived no benefit. In comparison with other programs, the effect of this impact is sizeable (0.34 SD on average). Although the overall program appears to have slightly changed some behaviors that might affect children (i.e. decreased probability of maternal employment, and increased maternal self-esteem), we did not find heterogenous impacts of the Bono across these variables. Results are explained mainly by differences in conditions: while the education component imposed conditions only on children of schooling age, the transfer required regular health checkups of 0-5 year old children. The transfer families were more likely to attend health checkups, which may have induced behavior changes that improved children's health and cognitive development, including purchasing more nutritious food. These results imply that cash without well-targeted conditions attached, might not be as effective for the development of young children.

Prenatal lead exposure modifies the association of maternal self-esteem with child adaptive ability.

A child's adaptive ability is important for personal career and social development. Maternal self-esteem may help shape a child's behavior. This study aims to investigate whether maternal self-esteem measured when their children were toddlers predicts their children's adaptive skills at school age, and whether prenatal lead exposure modifies such a relationship. We assessed prenatal lead exposure using cord blood lead and maternal bone lead around delivery (tibia and patella lead measured in vivo by K-x-ray-fluorescence) among 192 mother-child pairs investigated in Mexico from 1994 to 2011. Maternal self-esteem was measured using the Coopersmith-Self-esteem-Inventory when children were 2 years old. When children were 7-to-15 years old, we measured children's blood lead levels and administered the 2nd edition of Behavior-Assessment-System-for-Children (BASC-2) parent-rating-scales (PRS) and Self-Reports of Personality (SRP) to evaluate children's adaptive skills. Median (P25, P75) values for maternal patella and tibia lead, cord blood lead and children's current blood lead levels were 12.6 (3.2, 21.7) μg/g, 10.2 (4.1, 16.0) μg/g, 5.5 (3.5, 8.1) μg/dL and 2.7 (2.0, 4.0) μg/dL, respectively. In adjusted models, increased maternal self-esteem was associated with increased adaptive T-scores on the BASC-2 PRS and SRP scales. This relationship was weaker in high prenatal lead-exposure groups (high cord blood lead or patella lead groups, P25P100) compared with low prenatal lead-exposure (low cord blood lead or patella lead groups, P1P25) groups (P-interaction values < 0.10). No significant interactions between maternal tibia lead and self-esteem on children's adaptive T-scores were observed (P-interaction values > 0.10). Toddlers of mothers with high (vs. low) self-esteem have better adaptive abilities when they are of school-age. Prenatal lead exposure may attenuate or eliminate this positive association.

Self-esteem and relationship satisfaction during the transition to motherhood.

In the current study, we used 5 waves of longitudinal data from a large representative sample of Norwegian mothers (N = 84,711) to examine the association between romantic relationship satisfaction and self-esteem before and after childbirth in subgroups of first-, second-, third-, and fourth-time mothers. Maternal self-esteem showed a highly similar change pattern across subgroups. Specifically, self-esteem decreased during pregnancy, increased until the child was 6 months old, and then gradually decreased over the following years. The replication of this trajectory across subgroups and pregnancies suggests that this is a normative change pattern. For relationship satisfaction, the birth of the first child seemed to have the strongest impact compared with the birth of subsequent children. In first-time mothers, relationship satisfaction was high during pregnancy, sharply decreased around childbirth, and then gradually decreased in the following years. In second-, third-, and fourth-time mothers, the decrease in relationship satisfaction after childbirth was more gradual and linear compared with the sharp decrease found in first-time mothers. Moderate positive correlated changes between self-esteem and relationship satisfaction indicated that these constructs were linked over time. Discussion focuses on the implications of the results for theory and future research on self-esteem, relationship satisfaction, and personality-relationship transactions. (PsycINFO Database Record

The influence of child temperament, maternal core beliefs, maternal self-esteem and maternal psychopathologic symptoms on the development of fussy eating

The influence of child temperament, maternal core beliefs, maternal self-esteem and maternal psychopathologic symptoms on the development of fussy eating