Body Image Dissatisfaction, Emotional Regulation, and Marital Satisfaction after Cesarean Delivery

Abstract

Childbirth, often referred to as labour, parturition, or delivery, is the term used to describe the end of a pregnancy in which one or more infants leave the mother's body naturally or through a cesarean section. Strong feelings, both good and bad, might surface during childbirth, which can be a very emotional experience for a woman. The postpartum period, marked by physical changes and altered body image, often contributes to body image dissatisfaction among women. The current study was intended to find out the moderating role of emotional regulation (cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression) on body image dissatisfaction and marital satisfaction among women who have undergone cesarean delivery. A correlational research design was used and a sample of 120 females with cesarean delivery was selected through purposive sampling. The study result revealed that body image dissatisfaction negatively predicts marital satisfaction, cognitive reappraisal positively predicts marital satisfaction and expressive suppression negatively predicts marital satisfaction. Emotional regulation did not play the role of a moderator in the research. The results of the study can be used to educate therapists and medical professionals about the significance of treating body image issues and emotional control in postpartum care for women who have had cesarean sections