Global self-esteem, components of self-esteem and identity integration in pregnant and non-pregnant women

INTRODUCTION: Earlier studies focusing on global self-esteem in pregnant women have identified a number of risk factors for low global self-esteem and have compared global self-esteem during pregnancy and after childbirth. However, there is a lack of research on the specific self-esteem components except for body image. This study compared global self-esteem, specific self-esteem components, and identity integration in pregnant and non-pregnant women, and examined selected correlates of these variables. METHODS: = 30.49; SD = 3.50). The assessments were performed using the Multidimensional Self-Esteem Inventory developed by O'Brien and Epstein, and enabling measurement of global self-esteem, eight specific self-esteem components, and identity integration. Independent-samples t tests and correlational analyses were used, with supplementary ANCOVAs adjusting for age, BMI, and motherhood history. RESULTS: Pregnant women scored higher than non-pregnant women on global self-esteem, identity integration, and several specific self-esteem components. After adjustment, pregnancy status remained significant for global self-esteem, competence, lovability, likeability, moral self-approval, and identity integration, but not for body appearance, body functioning, or self-control. In the pregnant group, higher pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with less favourable body-related self-evaluations, self-control, and defensiveness. Pre-pregnancy physical activity was associated with higher body appearance, self-control, likeability, and body functioning. DISCUSSION: The present study suggests there are significant differences in self-esteem and identity integration between pregnant and non-pregnant women and highlights the importance of multidimensional measurement of self-esteem in pregnant women.