Self-objectification and unhealthy pregnancy behaviors: Testing the moderating role of high-risk pregnancy and previous miscarriage

Abstract

Preliminary research suggest that self-objectification during pregnancy is associated with poorer psychological and mental health. Focusing on primiparous pregnant women (n = 391, mean age = 30.35), this study explored the relationship between self-objectification and unhealthy pregnancy behaviors, with pregnancy-related body dissatisfaction as a mediator. Building on health theories that highlight perceived threats as drivers of health behaviors, this study also explored whether high-risk pregnancy and previous miscarriage moderate the relationship between body dissatisfaction and unhealthy pregnancy behaviors. Mediation analyses indicated that higher self-objectification was positively associated with pregnancy-related body dissatisfaction, which, in turn, was linked to increased engagement in unhealthy behaviors. Moderation analyses revealed that a history of miscarriage moderated the body dissatisfaction- unhealthy behaviors link, whereas high-risk pregnancy status did not. Findings emphasize the relevance of objectification theory for understanding prenatal health behaviors and suggests that interventions aimed at promoting health behaviors of pregnant women should consider body dissatisfaction, particularly among pregnant women without a history of miscarriage.