Women's Self-perceptions Research Articles

Current status and influencing factors of protective motivation for body mass management during pregnancy.

Excessive weight gain, obesity, or insufficient weight gain during pregnancy can adversely affect both the mother and her offspring. This study aims to investigate the relationship between pregnant women's self-perception and beliefs and their body weight management during pregnancy. A cross-sectional survey involving 350 pregnant women in Changsha City was conducted from July to September 2023. Instruments included a sociodemographic data sheet, protective motivation questionnaire for pregnancy body quality management, and scales measuring body image, anxiety, self-efficacy, and social support. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression were employed to identify factors influencing protective motivation for body quality management during pregnancy. The average score of the protective motivation questionnaire was 124 (SD = 13.07), suggesting a need for enhanced weight management. Key factors influencing protective motivation included household income, cooperation with healthcare workers, sources of pregnancy information, midnight snacking habits, prepregnancy exercise, body image, and self-efficacy (P < 0.05). The study highlights significant factors influencing pregnant women's motivation for body quality management. These include economic status, healthcare collaboration, information accessibility, lifestyle habits, and psychological factors. The findings underscore the need for healthcare professionals to integrate these factors into pregnancy care programs to improve body quality management.

Yellowness in skin complexion: Analysis of self-perception of women in China evaluated against clinical parameters of yellowness.

Skin "yellowness" is an abstract and subjective term, without a definitive measurement protocol. Objectives were to analyze Chinese women's self-perception of skin yellowness and associated parameters and identify objective clinical measurements that correlate with these perceptions. Following focus group discussions, criteria for skin yellowness were defined, and validated by volunteer rankings of facial images. A typology study of 185 women was performed. Participants were grouped into yellow (Color Uniformity, Brightness and Transparency (CUBT) yellow scale grade>3, chromameter b* value>16) and non-yellow (CUBT yellow scale grade<2, b* value<14) groups. Participants self-evaluated their skin on yellowness, transparency, skin uniformity, dullness, radiance, oiliness, and texture. Expert assessments were performed to grade sebaceous pores, ocular area pigmentation, pigmentary spots and CUBT scores. Instrumental analysis of the skin was employed using corneometer, sebumeter, mexameter chromameter, and AGE reader. Women in the yellow group self-evaluated their skin as significantly duller, less uniform, and less radiant than women in the non-yellow group (P≤0.05). Higher levels of ocular area pigmentation and lower facial skin uniformity and brightness (P<0.001) were observed in women with yellow skin. CUBT expert grading showed lower pink skin color, but significantly higher beige, yellow, and olive pigmentation (P≤0.05) in women in the yellow skin group. Melanin and b* values were significantly higher in women with yellow skin while L value was significantly lower. Self-perceived skin yellowness in Chinese women correlates to chromameter and mexameter measurements, as well as expert evaluation of ocular pigmentation and CUBT parameters.

“Real Comrades in Struggle and Suffering”: Women’s Experiences in the Vapniarka Concentration Camp

Abstract From the 1200 Jews interned at the Vapniarka concentration camp, slightly over one hundred were women. A regime of extermination was imposed in the early months of captivity through the toxic pea fodder distributed as food. More than half of the survivors remained either with paralysis or some other permanent illness. This article focuses on the female experience in the camp, the self-perception of women in contrast to the representation of women by men, as expressed through various narratives such as novel testimonies, oral histories, and autobiographies. Using narrative analysis I show how the prisoners of Vapniarka perceived their participation in different forms of resistance to fascist attempts at extermination and how time and place of telling impacted the language used. This is the first article focusing on the topic of the women of Vapniarka.

Impact of Fashion on the Body Image of Adult of Age Group 18-60 Years Living in Mumbai

This paper explores the complex connection between women’s body image and fashion, with an emphasis on modern influences and ramifications. It investigates how the fashion industry affects women’s perceptions of their bodies and defines societal standards of beauty through an extensive analysis of scholarly literature and media sources. The paper discusses the self perception of women’s body image and their several methods to alter their appearance. The impact that fashion industry, social media, and celebrity culture have in encouraging women to have unsatisfactory bodies and unattainable body ideals is examined. The article also addresses the rise of body-positive movements and diverse fashion representation, emphasizing how these developments have the ability to subvert conventional notions of beauty and advance acceptance of a range of body shapes. This paper adds to a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between fashion, media, and self-perception by examining both the positive and negative effects of fashion on women’s body image. In the end, it advocates for more inclusive and powerful representations of women in the fashion industry.

The Influence of Paternal Absence During Childhood on Women's Self-esteem and Self-efficacy: A Perspective Paper

This paper explores the potential impact of paternal absence on women during their childhood by examining literature and contemporary theories. Paternal absence refers to children lacking paternal love and care due to factors such as illegitimate birth, divorce, or death. In today's society, diverse marriage concepts have led to an increase in single-parent families, resulting in a growing prevalence of paternal absence. This paper comprehensively examines the influence of paternal absence on female self-esteem using theoretical frameworks from psychoanalysis, social learning, social comparison, cognitive development, and attachment. Additionally, it highlights the significance of fathers' presence during childhood in establishing women's sense of competence through Bandura's concept of self-efficacy. The results of the study revealed that the absence of a father figure may exert detrimental effects on women's self-perception, interpersonal bonding, and development of emotional and creative competence.

Infertile Jordanian Women's Self-Perception About Societal Violence: An Interpretative Phenomenological Study.

Infertility affects one in six couples globally and is compounded by stigma and violence, particularly for women, in Jordan's culture. While existing research has illuminated societal pressures faced by infertile women, there is, yet no comprehensive understanding of the violence they encounter in their daily lives. This Interpretative Phenomenological study seeks to unravel the experiences of infertile women regarding societal violence in Jordan. By focusing on different types of community violence - physical, psychological, and emotional - The study aims to provide nuanced insights into the challenges these women confront. It also endeavors to identify contributing factors, including societal attitudes, cultural beliefs, and individual encounters, while informing policy and practice to mitigate this issue. Employing a qualitative approach, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with purposively sampled infertile women. Thematic analysis was utilized to uncover recurring patterns and themes, facilitating a comprehensive exploration of their experiences. Five main themes were identified: How the surrounding people view me as an infertile woman; I am suffocated by their questions; they interfere in the smallest details; I got burned and turned to ashes, and I have no right to complain; The problem of childbearing and the treatment plan is a matter for me and my husband only; and who supports me and what do I want from those around me? This study's implications are significant for policy and practice. By foregrounding the prevalent violence faced by infertile women, it underscores the urgency of interventions. Raising awareness, providing education, and extending support can counteract societal stigma and violence. Creating a more compassionate societal fabric can ensure a safer, more inclusive environment for these women.

Body Image and Social Media: A Qualitative Investigation of the Influence of Instagram on Young Women's Self-Perception and Body Satisfaction

Objective: This study aimed to qualitatively investigate the influence of Instagram on young women's self-perception and body satisfaction, exploring the complex dynamics between social media interactions and their impacts on body image and self-esteem. Methods and Materials: Utilizing a qualitative research design, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with 27 young women aged 18 to 29, who were regular Instagram users. The interviews focused on participants' Instagram usage patterns, their exposure to body image-related content, and the effects of these interactions on their self-perception and body satisfaction. Thematic analysis was employed to identify and analyze patterns within the data, with theoretical saturation guiding the depth and comprehensiveness of the investigation. Findings: The analysis revealed seven main themes: Impact of Instagram on Self-Perception, Influence of Visual Content, Social Comparison Dynamics, Psychological Outcomes, Navigating Online Spaces, Regulation and Policy, and Technological Influences. These themes encompassed various categories and concepts, such as self-esteem fluctuations, identity shaping, body image concerns, exposure to beauty standards, content consumption patterns, upward vs. downward comparison, emotional and cognitive responses, behavioral changes, strategies for digital literacy, and the need for platform accountability. Conclusion: The study concludes that Instagram significantly influences young women's self-perception and body satisfaction, with social comparison dynamics, exposure to idealized beauty standards, and the nature of content consumption playing pivotal roles. While Instagram offers opportunities for positive engagement and support, it also poses challenges to body image and self-esteem. Addressing these impacts requires a multifaceted approach, including enhanced digital literacy, critical engagement with social media content, and proactive measures by social media platforms to foster a healthier online environment.

Women's perceptions of body mass graphics and their preferences for weight counselling.

Health care providers may lack data-driven guidance about best practises for discussing weight. We assessed women's self-perception of body mass index (BMI) and preferences for weight counselling by provider characteristics and the initiating question. A voluntary, anonymous survey was completed by 756 women (age ≥ 19 year) at our tertiary care obstetrics and gynaecology clinics in autumn 2021. The respondents' height and weight were collected before respondents selected graphics from a validated Body Image Scale that they felt best represented their current body size and which graphs should prompt weight loss or gain recommendations. Respondents were asked their preferences about provider characteristics for discussion about weight and to identify which of six initiating questions from a provider was most and least preferred. Blank responses were allowed. In 708 responses, 366 women (52%) selected the most accurate graphic that corresponded to their BMI; the selected graphic represented a lower than actual BMI in 268 women (38%) and higher in 74 women (10%). In 648 responses, 374 women (58%) preferred a female provider, but provider body shape, ethnicity/race and age were not important to most women. The most preferred question to initiate a discussion about weight was "A lot of women have trouble achieving or maintaining a healthy weight; is that something we can discuss?" in 181 of 555 women (33%), and the least preferred question was "Do you feel like you are at an appropriate weight?" in 172 of 554 women (31%). Provider knowledge about patient preferences regarding questions may facilitate the discussion about weight.

Women self-perception and access to credit: The power of role models

This study demonstrates how female role model encourages women-led firms to apply for a credit. Employing a sample of 29,157 firms from 112 countries between 2009 and 2020, our results indicate that the exposure to a female political leader offsets the likelihood for woman-led firms to be discouraged. This is explained by reduced emotional barriers to apply for a credit and is function of the personal status of the role model and its proximity with the female CEO.

Female genital mutilation/cutting: going beyond urogynecologic complications and obstetric outcomes.

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C or FGM) are procedures that involve partial or total removal of external female genitalia and other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. Over 4million girls are at risk of FGM annually. Since urogynecologic and obstetric complications of FGM have been extensively described and characterized, the aim of this review is to shift the focus on other aspects like perception of women, awareness of community, and knowledge of health workers. Our purpose is to highlight those aspects and understand how their grasp might help to eradicate this practice. Self-perception of women with FGM changes when they emigrate to western countries; awareness of complications and awareness of their rights are factors that make women reject the practice. Women from rural areas, already circumcised, or without a secondary level education are more likely to have a circumcised daughter. Women with at least a secondary education are more likely to agree with the eradication of the practice. Lack of education and poor wealth index are factors associated with men's support of FGM. Although aware of FGM, healthcare professionals need to be trained on this topic. General practitioners play a central role in addressing patients with FGM to the right path of diagnosis and treatment and psychologists in helping them with psychological sequelae. These findings point out the future area of intervention, stressing the need of higher standard of care and global effort to eradicate this practice.

Required Information and Self Perceptions of Women Undergoing Hysterectomy at Women’s Health Hospital, Assiut University

Required Information and Self Perceptions of Women Undergoing Hysterectomy at Women’s Health Hospital, Assiut University

Emotional and evaluative characteristics of mother's self-perception in the context of intensive parenthood

The article presents the results of the emotional and evaluative characteristics of women's self-perception in the context of intensive motherhood. Such characteristics as satisfaction with the parental role and satisfaction with motherhood were studied. A total of 143 women aged 20 to 53 years (M = 36.62, SD = 6.03) with 1-4 children participated in the study (M = 1.86, SD = 0.74). Methods included: Intensive Parenting Attitudes Questionnaire (IPAQ) (Liss M., Schiffrin H.H., Mackintosh V.H., Miles-McLean H., Erchull M.J., 2013); ‟Parent Satisfaction Scale” (‟Parent Satisfaction Scale”, C.F. Halverson, H.P. Duke, 1991), adaptation of Yelena Kuftyak (2006); motherhood satisfaction questionnaire (Yelena Zakharova, 2012). We revealed numerous positive links between the indicators of satisfaction and the settings of intensive parenting. High expression of intensive parenting attitudes is accompanied by a higher level of satisfaction with the role of a parent, recognition of its high significance and importance, and it reflects a positive attitude of women to child-parent relationships, a high assessment of the success of the child's development and implementation of their maternal functions.

Community Health Agents Advancing Women’s Empowerment: A Qualitative Data Analysis

Community health agents (CHAs) play a critical role in primary healthcare delivery and health promotion in low-resource settings. Though there is substantial evidence of the benefits of CHAs in achieving targeted community health outcomes, there is limited research into the impact of empowerment experienced by CHAs themselves. This study examined how working as a CHA impacts the lives and self-perceptions of women in Peru volunteering with Catholic Medical Mission Board’s (CMMB) markedly successful robust CHA model. We conducted six focus group discussions (FGDs) of 53 CHAs who implement CMMB programming in Trujillo and Huancayo, Peru. The FGDs were designed to explore themes related to empowerment, changes in women’s lives, and perceptions of themselves. We identified four major themes related to women’s empowerment: achievements, agency, meaningfulness, and resources. The most common empowerment theme was achievements, expressed through subthemes of changes in family behavior, self worth, education, health and nutrition, and rights and politics. The second most common empowerment theme was agency, with subthemes related to increases in using their voice, confidence, decision making, and participation. CHAs also reported experiencing empowerment through enhanced meaningfulness. CMMB’s CHA model is an example of how well-structured community programs can facilitate women’s empowerment. Providing meaningful community leadership opportunities can have far-reaching effects on women’s perceptions of themselves as valuable, capable, and empowered leaders. This work deepens our understanding of how to practically improve community health through empowering women to catalyze gender equality in communities with disproportionate barriers and limited opportunities burdening them.

Makeup and Its Application Simulation Affect Women's Self-Perceptions.

Appearance modification is ancient, universal and influences other and self-perceptions. It has been rarely addressed how expectation of appearance modification would affect women's self-perception. We analyzed self-assessments of women without makeup and after having makeup professionally applied at four increasing levels (light, moderate, heavy 1, and heavy 2 makeup). In the simulation phase, women were treated with colorless cosmetics. Fifty Brazilian women (Mage = 24.26years; SD = 5.53) rated themselves on attractiveness, health, self-esteem, femininity, satisfaction with appearance, age, dominance, confidence, and competence in all experimental conditions. Women in the simulation phase considered themselves more feminine, healthier, and with higher self-esteem than without makeup. In the real makeup phases, these ratings were higher than in the simulation phase. Appearance satisfaction and attractiveness did not differ between simulation and the real makeup phases, both being higher than without makeup. Confidence increased only in real makeup phases, but there was no effect on competence. Thus, real appearance modification and/or an expectation thereof can differently affect specific domains of self-evaluation.

A Wearable Device for Evaluation of Relative Position, Force, and Duration of Fetal Movement for Pregnant Woman Care

Fetal movement (FM) is one of the important indexes of clinical observations on fetal activities (such as the position, duration and relative force of FM), and as demand for the home monitoring of pregnant women grows increasingly, a wearable device for the long-term monitoring of fetal movement has drawn more and more attention. This study integrated multi-point IMU sensing with an innovative real-time classification method to build a device for the long-term monitoring of fetal movement, including the evaluation of the relative position, force and duration. In order to validate the sensitivity and clinical feasibility of the device, this study performed phantom simulation tests and clinical tests on 13 pregnant women. The phantom test results showed that the device had high accuracy (>90.3%) in recognizing 12 FM positions, the relative force had high correlation ( R <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> > 0.98), and the duration of FM had a low error percentage (<; 10%). The clinical test results showed that the number of FMs detected by this method was coincident with the pregnant women's self-perceptions, and the questionnaire result showed that the pregnant women highly accepted this device.

Dynamic Perceived HIV Risk and Sexual Behaviors Among Young Women Enrolled in a PrEP Trial in Kenya: A Qualitative Study.

Background: In Kenya and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa, young women are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic compared to young men. The extent to which young women's self-perceptions about risk of HIV acquisition influence their sexual behaviors and use of HIV prevention methods remains unclear. We therefore conducted a qualitative study to explore these issues among young women enrolled in a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) trial.Methods: From January 2017 to January 2020, we conducted serial semi-structured in-depth interviews 50 purposively selected young women (18–24 years old) who were participating in the MPYA (Monitoring PrEP for Young Adult women) study—a randomized controlled trial in Thika and Kisumu, Kenya, assessing the impact of SMS reminders on PrEP adherence. Interviews were conducted at three time points (~1 week, 3, and 12 months after initiating PrEP). We used an inductive, content analytic approach to identify key themes related to risk perceptions, sexual behavior, and use of HIV prevention tools.Results: Around the time of enrollment, most of the 50 women interviewed reported being at high risk of HIV because of their own sexual behaviors, such as inconsistent condom use, multiple sexual partners, and transactional sex. Additionally, high risk perception was based on the behavior of their partners, such as refusing to use condoms and being unsure of their partner's HIV status. Young women's perceived risk of HIV acquisition was a key motivator for PrEP initiation and continuation. During PrEP use, participants reported feeling protected and at less risk compared to peers who were not taking PrEP. Some reported no longer using condoms because they were confident that PrEP provided enough protection. Over time, many young women reported reducing risky sexual behaviors because of the regular counseling and HIV testing they received as part of their PrEP services. This lowered risk perception was in most cases accompanied by discontinuation of PrEP.Conclusions: HIV risk perception among young women in Kenya was dynamic and influenced their use of PrEP and condoms over time, suggesting an often-deliberate approach to HIV prevention and sexual health.

Unleashing the social capital of self-help groups for strengthening seed systems in Uttar Pradesh, India

Women's empowerment and varietal replacement of crops are often unconnected domains in agricultural development; an experience connecting both in India has global potential. Rajiv Gandhi Mahila Vikas Pariyojana, a women's empowerment and poverty reduction program in Uttar Pradesh, embedded seed practices within the collective structure of women's self-help groups. Through collective efforts, women became successful in the production and dissemination of quality seed of new rice and wheat varieties, reaching more than 30,000 small-scale farmers. They appropriated several components of the seed value chain; their social capital became instrumental in varietal replacement. The self-perception of women as knowledgeable farmers changed, as did the perception of household and community members; therefore, seed activities contributed to intrinsic women's empowerment. • The social capital of SHGs is an asset for inclusive and effective seed systems. • SHG involvement in seed systems increases access to new varieties for poor farmers. • Early generation seed supply hinders seed producers' access to new varieties. • Development organizations working with SHGs can contribute to varietal replacement. • Seed activities of women SHGs contribute to instrumental and intrinsic empowerment.

Is positive self-perception a determinant of cardiovascular performance? A didactic and sustainable view in female university students

Traditionally women have been less active and physically active than men. Although the recent literature indicates this gender gap, the sexes' difference when practicing sport seems to be decreasing. This study framework's importance could be reflected in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) proposed by UNESCO, which highlight the need to generate strategies to improve health (SDG 3) and equalize opportunities between men and women (SDG 4). The reasons for these differences are multifactorial, with intrinsic and extrinsic motivations indicated as requiring further research. Self-perception in physical performance has been documented to influence women to perform the exercise and physical activity. Therefore, this research aimed to identify and healthy women's self-perception and motivations to perform in a VO2 max test. A total of 31 women (21.12 ± 2.01) completed the research. The study was divided into two principal tests. On the one hand, the measurement of a sub-maximal incremental stress test following established ASCM indications. Heart rate and ventilatory parameters were measured during the stress test using a metabolic measurement system and a gas analyser. After the test, the study sample completed the self-completed Healthy Lifestyle Questionnaire and the International Short Form Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF), and the Self Report of Reasons for Physical Activity (AMPEF). Correlation between VO2 Max and average weight and body image (r = .001) was detected, showing the positive relationship between both values. The results obtained help confirm the importance of a positive self-perception in women regarding their weight and body image for better physical performance. Although these findings cannot be generalized, they establish a potential relationship between better physical performance and self-perception in most adults.

Research on the Self-Perception of Adolescents as Readers

The aim of the study is to study teenagers' self-perception as readers, from grades 8, 9 and 10. There were 184 students in the sample (91 males and 93 females). Henk, Melnick and Marinak have established the self-perception as readers utilizing Reader Self-perception Scale 2 (2013). Data analysis was based on descriptive statistics, independent sample t tests, and one-way ANOVA. This study demonstrated that the self-perception of young students as readers was successful. The findings of the t test show that the self-perception of women in reading was much higher than that of men in p &lt; 05. ANOVA showed that the self-perception of students in 10th grade as readers in the special group was greatest in 8th grade, 9th grade and 10th grade students in p &lt; 0.01.

Do women have an accurate perception of their pelvic floor muscle contraction? A cross-sectional study.

To assess women's self-perception of their pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contraction and its agreement with an assessed PFM contraction. Further, to assess a possible correlation between women's self-perception and reports of urinary incontinence (UI) and between PFM contraction and severity of UI. A cross-sectional observational study including 82 women. The study was conducted in a basic healthcare unit in Brazil. PFM contraction was assessed by a physiotherapist and estimated by women using the Modified Oxford Scale (MOS). UI symptoms were assessed using a validated questionnaire (ICIQ-UI-SF). A descriptive analysis of the data was performed. The weighted κ coefficient, Spearman's correlation coefficient, and Fisher's exact test were used to analyze data. Eighty-two women with a mean age of 46.83 (±17.94) were analyzed. The majority (98.8%) believed they were able to voluntarily contract their PFM, but only 33% correctly estimated their PFM considering the examiner assessment as reference. No agreement (κ = 0.139, P = .087) was found between the examiner's classification and the women's estimation of their PFM contraction. Women's self-perception did not correlate with the ICIQ-IU-SF (r's = .011, P = .922). A moderate negative correlation was found between the assessed PFM contraction and the ICIQ-UI-SF score (r's = -.406, P = .00). Most of the women did not show an accurate self-perception of PFM contraction. No correlation between women's self-perception and the ICIQ-UI-SF score was found, but a negative correlation was found between the assessed PFM contraction and the ICIQ-UI-SF score.