The relationship between fear of body image and postpartum depression with the moderating role of self-compassion

Background and Aim: Postpartum depression is a type of depression that can have significant negative effects on both mother and newborn. Therefore, it is important to investigate various factors that influence postpartum depression. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between fear of body image and postpartum depression and the moderating role of self-compassion. Methods: This correlational study was conducted on mothers with newborns up to one year old in Tehran in 2024. One hundred and seventy mothers were selected as a sample using a convenience sampling method. Mothers completed demographic, postpartum depression, body image fear, and self-compassion questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using Pearson correlation and path analysis with SPSS version 27. Results: There was a significant positive correlation between fear of body image and postpartum depression (r=0.51, P<0.01). Moreover, there was a significant negative correlation between self-compassion and postpartum depression (r=-0.57, P<0.01) and between self-compassion and fear of body image (r=-0.56, P<0.01). Self-compassion did not have a moderating role in the relationship between fear of body image and postpartum depression (P=0.53). Conclusion: Based on the findings, the factor of self-compassion can play an important role in reducing fear of body image and postpartum depression, but it does not have the necessary power to reduce the negative impact of fear of body image on postpartum depression.