Impact of Body Image on Couple Satisfaction and Infant Attachment in Post Partum Period

Abstract

Parenthood is a transition phase in the life of a couple. Together, they go through a number of different experiences. However, certain differences do occur naturally. The purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between Body Image, Couple satisfaction and Infant attachment among post pregnant women and to study the impact of demographic variables on the study variables. It was hypothesized that there would be a statistically significant relationship between body image, couple satisfaction and infant attachment. Body image will significantly predict couple satisfaction and infant attachment. It was also hypothesized that there will be statistically significant differences among demographic variables (i.e age, qualification, job status, number of pregnancy, family setup, number of children, socioeconomic status) with study variables (i.e body image, couple satisfaction and infant attachment). Sample consisted of 109 participants (post pregnant women). Their age ranged from 18 to 40 years, they were approached online because of Covid. Research measures used were; Demographic data sheet, Body Appreciation Scale,(Avalos et al., 2005) Couple Satisfaction Index (Funk & Rogge, 2007)) and Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire .(I. Brockington, 2011) Results indicated a significant relation between body image, couple satisfaction and infant attachment. They also indicated that body image predicts couple satisfaction and infant attachment. Significant difference existed among Family setup on Body Image and subscales of Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire. With the help of present study results, it was made clear that the Body Image does have an impact in the postpartum period and proper measures can be adopted to guide the women about the VI bodily changes they will have to encounter after baby birth and a sense of acceptance can be inculcated.