Sociocultural Influence of Body Image Dissatisfaction on Postpartum Depression Among Nursing Mothers in Southwest, Nigeria
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Introduction : Postpartum adjustment is a crucial developmental phase for new mothers, marked by intense physical, psychological, and sociocultural transitions. In contexts like Nigeria, sociocultural expectations around motherhood and ideal female appearance may heighten the risk of body image dissatisfaction and postpartum depression (PPD) among nursing mothers. Aims This study examined the sociocultural influences of body image dissatisfaction on postpartum depression while also ascertaining the mediating role of appearance-related social comparisons and thin-ideal internalization in the prediction of body image dissatisfaction and postpartum depression. Methods A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used among 619 nursing mothers in Southwest Nigeria. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, binary logistic regression, and mediation analysis. Qualitative data from in-depth interviews were analysed thematically to contextualize women's experiences of sociocultural influences on postpartum body image. Results Partner (β = 0.46, p < .01) and parent (β = 0.17, p < .01) influence were significant predictors of body image dissatisfaction, while peer and media influences were not significant. Sociocultural factors accounted for 25% of the variance in body image dissatisfaction. Body image dissatisfaction was strongly associated with postpartum depressive symptoms ( r = .76, p < .01) and remained significant after adjustment for relevant covariates (OR = 2.148, 95% CI: 1.838–2.510, p < .001). Mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect path through body image dissatisfaction (B = 0.131, 95% CI: 0.092–0.167), but thin-ideal internalization and appearance-related social comparison did not emerge as significant mediators. Furthermore, the study revealed that comments made by parent/family and partners were very prominent, along with expectations regarding weight and size of abdomen and the need to get back to the pre-pregnancy body. The abdomen was the most frequent vent of dissatisfaction, but some women subverted peer and media messages. Conclusion In the context of Nigeria, it was found that parental and partner support were particularly influential in determining postpartum body image. The findings are consistent with the Tripartite Influence Model and, through Symbolic Interactionism, illuminate women’s agency in negotiating socially constructed meanings of the body. Addressing sociocultural and body-image issues in postpartum mental health interventions may be beneficial for managing depressive symptoms
Source: Research Square
Institutions: Bowen University, Redeemer University, Redeemer's University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225779352