Predictive value of perfectionism for fear of childbirth and parental sense of competence among pregnant women

Ercegovac, Anita. (2013). Predictive value of perfectionism for fear of childbirth and parental sense of competence among pregnant women. Diploma Thesis. Filozofski fakultet u Zagrebu, Department of Psychology. [mentor Lauri Korajlija, Anita].

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Abstract

The aim of research was to investigate the predictive value of perfectionism (adaptive and maladaptive) and parity (the number of deliveries) for fear of childbirth and parental sense of competence in pregnant women. The research was conducted via Internet on 594 pregnant women (363 nulliparous and 231 multiparous). The participants completed the Perfectionism Questionnaire, the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire and the Parental Sense of Competence Scale. Also, the research included demographic data and data about course of pregnancy. The results of research showed that adaptive perfectionism was protective factor for fear of childbirth, especially for nulliparous. Adaptive perfectionism contributes sense of parental self-efficacy. Maladaptive perfectionism was risk factor for fear of childbirth, less parental self-efficacy and parental external locus of control. Maladaptive perfectionism increased parental sense of external control, but only for multiparous. The parity significantly predicted parental self-efficacy and external locus of control. Participants with child rearing experience (multiparous) felt more self-efficacy and parental locus of external control. There was no correlation between dimensions of perfectionism or parity and internal locus of control. This research makes understand the neglected role of perfectionism in transition to pregnancy and motherhood, and confirms current understanding of perfectionism as not only maladaptive and factor of risk, but also adaptive and protective factor.

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