Mazur-Skupowska M, Byrka K. Compensatory health beliefs in women in the first, second and third trimester of pregnancy.
HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY REPORT 2023;
12:112-123. [PMID:
38628279 PMCID:
PMC11016948 DOI:
10.5114/hpr/169474]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Compensatory health beliefs may serve as one of many self-regulatory strategies that individuals employ to maintain healthy lifestyles. Past research with samples from a general population has shown, however, that compensatory beliefs are ineffective in this regard and may even lead to inaction in future health-related behaviors such as eating healthily or being active. To better understand this phenomenon, in the present study, changes in compensatory health beliefs regarding various life domains were examined in a group of pregnant women.
PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE
In a longitudinal study design, 166 women completed questionnaires in the first (t1), the second (t2), and the third (t3) trimester of their pregnancies. We assessed the level of their self-control as a trait (t1, t2, t3), compensatory health beliefs (t1, t2, t3), and unhealthy snacking (t3).
RESULTS
As predicted, self-control as a trait decreased and the levels of compensatory beliefs increased over time. A linear mixed effects analysis showed that self-control was the best predictor of compensatory beliefs in the third trimester. Finally, compensatory health beliefs in the third trimester mediated the effect of self-control at the beginning of pregnancy on unhealthy snacking in the third trimester.
CONCLUSIONS
It appears important to support pregnant women in opting for constructive self-regulatory strategies, especially in their final trimesters, when coping resources are exhausted by the challenges of this period.
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