A Descriptive Study of the Correlation Between Postpartum Depression and Body Image Dissatisfaction, Self-objectification, and Social Media Appearance Comparison

This cross-sectional study will be conducted using a questionnaire survey methodology. A self-designed general information questionnaire will be administered to collect and describe the demographic characteristics and obstetric information of the postpartum population at baseline. Furthermore, a series of standardized instruments will be utilized to assess specific psychological and behavioral variables among the participants:

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to evaluate postpartum depressive status; The Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) to measure the degree of body image dissatisfaction; The Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (OBCS) to evaluate the level of self-objectification; The Social Networking Sites Appearance Comparison Scale (SNSACS) to assess appearance comparison behaviors on social media; The Social Networking Site Intensity Scale (FBI) to determine the intensity of social media usage; The Upward Physical Appearance Comparison Scale (UPACS) to evaluate the extent of upward physical appearance comparisons.

Finally, this study will further analyze the correlations among postpartum body image dissatisfaction, self-objectification, appearance comparison on social media, and postpartum depression.

Inclusion criteria

• Aged ≥ 18 years;
• Between 4 weeks and 12 months postpartum;
• Able to read and comprehend the Chinese questionnaire, and capable of using a smartphone;
• Voluntary participation in the study with a signed written informed consent form.

Exclusion criteria

• A confirmed pre-pregnancy diagnosis of psychiatric disorders or intellectual disabilities, preventing normal communication;
• Diagnosed with depression during pregnancy or the postpartum period, and currently receiving pharmacological or psychological therapy;
• Experiencing severe pregnancy or postpartum complications with an unstable clinical condition, rendering the participant unable to complete the questionnaire;
• Having a newborn with congenital malformations or severe medical conditions;
• Having experienced major stressful life events within the past 4 to 6 weeks (e.g., perinatal fetal death, or the death of an immediate family member).