Applying Leventhal’s self-regulatory model to pregnancy: Evidence that pregnancy-related beliefs and emotional responses are associated with maternal health outcomes

Abstract

This study explored whether women’s beliefs about, and emotional responses to, pregnancy could account for variations in maternal mental and physical health outcomes, using the self-regulatory model as a theoretical framework. Women in the last trimester of pregnancy (N = 408) completed an online survey including measures of representations of pregnancy, coping, and physical and mental health. Results revealed that representations of pregnancy accounted for up to 30 and 39 per cent of the variance in indicators of physical and mental health, respectively. Findings suggest that beliefs about pregnancy may have important implications for maternal health.