Psychological Resilience And Body Image Dissatisfaction As Predictors Of Depressive Symptoms In Expectant Mothers: Evidence From A Mixed-Methods Antenatal Study

Abstract

Pregnancy involves rapid physiological and social transitions that can challenge mental wellbeing. This study examined whether psychological resilience and body image dissatisfaction predict depressive symptoms among expectant mothers. Using a mixed-methods design, 396 pregnant women across three trimesters completed standardised measures of resilience, body image dissatisfaction, and depressive symptoms. Pearson correlations and multiple regression were used for quantitative testing. Resilience showed a moderate-to-strong negative association with depressive symptoms, while body image dissatisfaction displayed a moderate positive association. In a regression model including both predictors, resilience emerged as the stronger negative predictor of depression and body image dissatisfaction a significant positive predictor, together explaining nearly half of the variance in depressive symptoms. Findings support resilience-buffering models of prenatal distress and confirm body image as an important psychosocial risk pathway. Antenatal mental-health screening, resilience-building interventions, and body-positive counselling may help reduce depressive experiences before childbirth.