Self-compassion mitigates negative effects of self-objectification on postpartum well-being

A study published in Sex Roles reveals that postpartum self-objectification negatively impacts women’s well-being, while self-compassion mediates these effects, promoting positive outcomes.

The postpartum period can involve significant physical and psychological changes, exposing women to societal pressures and increased objectification. In this work, Becky L. Choma and colleagues explored the relationship between self-objectification and postpartum well-being, focusing on how self-compassion might buffer against associated negative outcomes.

Despite prior evidence linking self-compassion to improved outcomes during motherhood, few studies had examined its potential to mediate the effects of self-objectification.

This study builds on Fredrickson and Roberts’ (1997) objectification theory, which suggests that societal objectification leads women to internalize appearance-based self-worth, exacerbating issues like body shame and depression.

The researchers recruited 162 women who had given birth within the past three years through online mom groups and social media platforms. Participants completed a 15-minute Qualtrics survey. Self-objectification was assessed using the Self-Objectification: Beliefs and Behaviors Scale, which evaluates the degree to which participants perceive themselves as objects based on appearance. Self-compassion was measured with the Short Self-Compassion Scale, assessing participants’ ability to treat themselves kindly in challenging situations. Additional measures assessed body shame, appearance anxiety, depressive symptoms, disordered eating, self-esteem, life satisfaction, sexual dysfunction, and breastfeeding confidence. Two open-ended questions asked participants’ feelings about their body and the stress of motherhood.

Demographic details were also gathered, revealing a sample predominantly composed of White, straight, and married women, with varying educational and socioeconomic backgrounds.

The study found that higher self-objectification among postpartum women was significantly associated with poorer well-being, including greater body shame, appearance anxiety, depression, and disordered eating, as well as lower self-esteem and life satisfaction. Women with higher self-compassion, however, reported more positive outcomes, such as less body shame and depressive symptoms, and greater life satisfaction, self-esteem, and positive experiences of motherhood.

Self-compassion mediated the relationship between self-objectification and these well-being outcomes, suggesting that lower self-compassion partly explains the negative effects of self-objectification. Notably, self-objectification and self-compassion were not significantly linked to sexual dysfunction or breastfeeding confidence.

One limitation is the cross-sectional design of this research, which limits causal interpretations.

Overall, this research highlights the detrimental effects of postpartum self-objectification on well-being and emphasizes self-compassion’s potential as a mitigating factor.

The study, “Women’s Well-Being Post-Partum: The Role of Self-Objectification and Self-Compassion,” was authored by Becky L. Choma, Stephanie E. Cassin, Vanessa Montemarano, Brigette Piazza, and Ceilidh Harrison.