Validation of the German version of the pregnancy-related anxiety scale (PrAS): psychometric properties across all trimesters of pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy-related anxiety has received greater research attention recently given its association with adverse outcomes (e.g., negative birth experiences). The Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale (PrAS) offers the possibility to assess pregnancy-related anxiety, but no German version is available. Therefore, the aim of this study was to validate a German version of the PrAS, a comprehensive measure with eight dimensions. METHODS: Pregnant women of any parity or gestation completed an online survey consisting of the PrAS, PRAQ-R2, and measures of anxiety, depression, and resilience. The PrAS was translated into German (PrAS-G) using the back-translation method. Data were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Complete data were provided by 443 women. Participants were predominantly German nationals, partnered, and well-educated with a planned pregnancy. Approximately half were nulliparous. The eight-factor model was well fitting and consistent with the development of the original PrAS. Criterion-related validity was demonstrated by strong correlations with similar measures (PRAQ-R2, anxiety, and depression) and lower correlations with resilience scores. Predictive validity was shown by group comparisons for: planned versus unplanned pregnancy, trimester, and parity. CONCLUSIONS: The PrAS-G provides a broader assessment of pregnancy-related anxiety than existing measures. Initial evaluation has demonstrated convergent, divergent, and predictive validity, excellent internal consistency, and good model fit indicating promising psychometric properties. The PrAS-G offers a comprehensive assessment of pregnancy-related anxiety which will enable tailored interventions aiming to improve birth experience and well-being of expectant mothers.

The Role of Sociocultural Influences on Symptoms of Muscle Dysmorphia and Eating Disorders in Men, and the Mediating Effects of Perfectionism.

This study examined the mediating role of self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism in the relationship between sociocultural influences (i.e., media, peer, and teasing) and symptoms of muscle dysmorphia (MD) and eating disorders (ED). A nonclinical sample of males (N = 158, Mage = 26.94, SD = 5.50) completed measures of perfectionism, MD, body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, and bulimia. Susceptibility to appearance-based messages from the media, their peers, and family was also measured. Analyses confirmed the partial mediating role of self-oriented perfectionism only for drive for thinness. In contrast, socially prescribed perfectionism was found to be a partial mediator between all three sociocultural variables and measures of both MD and ED; except for those between peer influence and body dissatisfaction, and teasing and bulimia symptomatology. These two relationships were fully mediated by socially prescribed perfectionism. Results suggest that vulnerability to MD and ED depend on pre-existing perfectionistic attitudes, particularly that of socially prescribed perfectionism.

Cross-cultural examination of beliefs about the causes of bulimia nervosa among Australian and Japanese females.

OBJECTIVE: To identify similarities and differences in beliefs about the causes of Bulimia Nervosa (BN) held by Asian (Japanese) women and Western (Australian) women, and hence, to examine the applicability of belief models of eating disorders (ED) across different cultures. METHOD: Four hundred three Japanese and 256 Australian female university students (aged 17-35 years) completed a questionnaire that gauged beliefs about the causes of BN. RESULTS: Among the Australian women, the four-component structure of perceived causes (dieting and eating practices, family dynamics, socio-cultural pressure, and psychological vulnerability) found in Dryer et al. (2012) was replicated. Among the Japanese women, however, a three-component structure (without the psychological vulnerability component) was obtained. The groups also differed in the causal component they most strongly endorsed, that being socio-cultural pressure for the Australian women, and dieting and eating practices for the Japanese women. DISCUSSION: The Japanese participants were found to endorse three out of the four Western-based causal explanations for BN, but the relative importance they placed on those explanations differed from that of the Australian participants. Further research is needed, particularly to establish whether Japanese women simply fail to see psychological vulnerability as a viable cause of BN, or there are in fact cultural differences in the extent to which such vulnerability causes BN.

Problematic social media use and psychological distress in pregnancy: The mediating role of social comparisons and body dissatisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy can be experienced as a significant transition for many women with associated body dissatisfaction, depression, pregnancy-related anxiety, and disordered eating attitudes. Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU) creates abundant opportunities for women to compare themselves with others and expose themselves to sociocultural influences which may increase body dissatisfaction and psychological distress. AIMS: This study examined whether the relationship between PSMU and psychological distress (defined as depression, pregnancy-related anxiety and disordered eating attitudes) was mediated by negative social comparisons and body dissatisfaction. METHOD: A sample of 225 pregnant Australian women (Mage = 31.91 years, SDage = 4.39) recruited online, completed self-report measures related to the variables of interest. RESULTS: PSMU was associated with higher levels of depression, pregnancy-related anxiety, and disordered eating attitudes. Negative social comparisons and body dissatisfaction partially mediated the relationship between PSMU and pregnancy-related anxiety and depression, and fully mediated the relationship between PSMU and disordered eating attitudes. LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional nature of the study limited our ability to determine the direction of the relationships. Moreover, the recruitment method via social media led to high rates of non-completion. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that problematic social media usage during pregnancy may increase depression, pregnancy-related anxiety and disordered eating attitudes. This study identified potential pathways that may explain this relationship, (via social comparisons and body dissatisfaction). This study highlights the potentially negative impact of social media use amongst expectant mothers and the importance of screening for body dissatisfaction in routine antenatal care.

Intimate Partner Violence Risk Factors: A Vulnerability-Adaptation Stress Model Approach.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) disproportionally affects women. Using the vulnerability-adaptation stress model, we examined adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), self-esteem, and hope as vulnerability indicators and relationship status and length, positive and negative affect, and socioeconomic status (SES) as stressors to ascertain the risk for IPV. Women (N = 491, M = 37.15, standard deviation = 12.51) completed an online survey comprised of the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, Rosenberg's Self-esteem Scale, Snyder's Hope Scale, ACE questionnaire, Composite Abuse Scale Revised-Short Form, and demographic questions. Factor analysis identified four ACE factors of sexual abuse, physical or psychological abuse, witnessing domestic violence, and household dysfunction. A five-step hierarchical multiple regression identified that greater exposure to physical or psychological child abuse was associated with an increased risk of IPV (Step 2), B = 0.73 [0.16, 1.34]. Lower self-esteem, B = -0.30 [-0.47, -0.14] predicted IPV (Step 3). Age B = 0.07 [0.01, 0.13], negative affect, B = 0.39 [0.19, 0.59], and relationship length, B = -1.24 [-2.16, 0.41] were associated with a higher risk of IPV (Step 4). In Step 5, previous variables attenuated to non-significance while age, B = 0.07 [0.01, 0.13], negative affect, B = 0.39 [0.19, 0.59], and relationship length B = -1.25 [-2.16, 0.41] remained significant. While the key findings of this study were inconsistent with some commonly reported findings (e.g., ACEs, self-esteem, hope, relationship status, SES, age), these inconsistencies are important to highlight given the factorial approach to examining ACEs, the comprehensive analyses conducted, and our examination of these variables' direct relationship to IPV. The study was limited by its cross-sectional nature, higher prevalence of IPV victims, and not examining IPV sub-types. Similar studies need to be conducted for other relationship types and victimized individuals (e.g., same-sex relationships and male victims) to provide a complete picture of risk factors for IPV.

Trauma-informed care beliefs scale-comprehensive for child welfare carers using Rasch analysis.

BACKGROUND: The literature on trauma-informed care practices (TIC) indicates that this framework is beneficial for young people, carers, and staff. However, a significant gap in the literature and practice is the absence of psychometrically sound scales to measure carer adherence to TIC principles. Emerging evidence suggests that TIC practices shift carer attitudes and beliefs, which mediate positive outcomes for both carers and young people. OBJECTIVE: To develop a theoretically comprehensive and psychometrically sound measure of carer TIC beliefs using Rasch methodology. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Active carers (N = 719, M = 43 years, SD = 10.7 years) from online support groups in Australia, Canada, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland completed the questionnaire online. METHODS: Based on previous research (e.g., limitations of the Trauma-Informed Belief Scale-Brief [TIBS-B]; Beehag, Dryer, et al., 2023a) and a scoping review of the TIC literature (Beehag, 2023), 61 candidate items were created that covered the three main characteristics of carer-related TIC theory (i.e., beliefs on TIC strategies to manage trauma symptoms, beliefs on the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACE), and beliefs on the importance of self-care/reflection). The resulting data was subjected to Rasch analyses. RESULTS: Following analyses and minor modifications, a 35-item version of the questionnaire was confirmed, which fitted the Rasch model and demonstrated unidimensionality, reasonable targeting, and sound internal consistency reliability (Person Separation Index = 0.81). CONCLUSIONS: The TIBS-C is a psychometrically sound measure of child welfare carer TIC beliefs. Future studies are needed to provide further evidence of its validity (e.g., predictive validity), reliability (e.g., test-retest reliability) and clinical utility.

The predictors of distress in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder.

BACKGROUND: It is well recognised that parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience clinically significant levels of stress and depression. This study examined which ASD characteristic best predicted parental distress. METHOD: Parents of 109 children aged between 4 and 12 (M age = 7.89, SD = 2.43) completed self-report measures of anxiety, depression, stress, and parenting-specific stress. They also completed rating scales regarding their child's ASD characteristics. RESULTS: This study found that the child's behavioural and emotional impairments predicted the parents' overall levels of distress (i.e., stress/tension, anxiety, and depression), but not the stress associated with parenting. Instead, the child's social impairment severity was found to predict parenting-specific stress. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the pervasive influence of ASD symptomatology on the mental wellbeing of the parents and the importance of assisting parents to cope with the behavioural and social impairments of their child.

Examining the relationship between maternal childhood abuse history and mother-infant bonding: The mediating roles of postpartum depression and maternal self-efficacy.

BACKGROUND: The detrimental effects of childhood abuse on long-term outcomes are well-known, however few studies have examined these effects in the context of postpartum psychopathology, maternal self-efficacy, and mother-infant bonding quality. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the relationship between a maternal childhood abuse experience (i.e., physical, psychological, and sexual) and mother-infant bonding disturbances, and whether this relationship was mediated by postnatal depression symptomatology and maternal self-efficacy. METHOD: A sample of 191 postpartum women (Mage = 32.88, SD = 4.20) recruited online from the general population completed self-report measures of the constructs of interest. RESULTS: Postnatal depression symptomatology and maternal self-efficacy were found to fully mediate the relationship between psychological child abuse experience and mother-infant bonding disturbances (ß = 0.06, SE = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.12). Postnatal depression symptomatology (but not maternal self-efficacy) was an independent mediator between psychological child abuse experience and mother-infant bonding (ß = 0.07, SE = 0.03, 95 % CI: 0.01, 0.13). After inclusion of other abuse types as covariates in the analyses, the findings for maternal child physical abuse attenuated to non-significance. Child sexual abuse was not associated with the mediating or outcome variables, highlighting the issue of disclosure despite the anonymous online environment. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the negative impact of psychological childhood abuse experience on the quality of the mother-infant bond during the postpartum period and potential pathways that underlie this relationship. This study also draws attention to the need to recognize comorbidity of abuse types in research.

Screening for Pregnancy-Related Anxiety: Evaluation of the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Scale-Screener Using Rasch Methodology.

Pregnancy-related anxiety has been linked to many maternal and child-related negative outcomes. However, there is an absence of free, well-validated screeners for this condition. The Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale-Screener (PrAS-Screener) was evaluated using robust Rasch methodology. This study also aimed to develop a shorter version to meet the need of settings governed by professional guidelines stipulating the use of brief instruments. Data from 400 pregnant women (Mage = 27.82, SD = 5.38) were subjected to Rasch analyses and the resulting Rasch models confirmed in a second sample (N = 400, Mage = 26.29, SD = 4.95). After minor modifications, the original 15-item PrAS-Screener demonstrated good fit, unidimensionality, excellent targeting, invariance, and internal consistency. After removal of items with content overlap, an 11-item version was developed, with this version showing good fit, unidimensionality, reasonable targeting, and sound internal consistency. The PrAS-Screeners show promise as psychometrically sound clinical scales for screening pregnancy-related anxiety.

Child abuse and wellbeing: Examining the roles of self-compassion and fear of self.

INTRODUCTION: Childhood abuse is linked to poorer well-being, yet some survivors show no prolonged effect, suggesting multifinality. Men and women also differ in the experience and sequelae of abuse supporting gender-specific analyses. To assist in circumventing poor outcomes associated with child abuse, this study examined fear of self (FoS) and self-compassion (SC) as risk and protective factors between child abuse and well-being. METHOD: Australian women (N = 1302, Mage = 47.28 [13.63]) completed an online assessment of childhood abuse, psychological distress, perceived quality of life, SC, FoS. Moderated-moderation examined the different abuses as predictors of psychological distress and quality of life (QoL) and FoS and SC as primary and secondary moderators, respectively. RESULTS: Physical abuse did not predict psychological distress or QoL. FoS and SC were independent predictors of distress and QoL. Similarly, childhood sexual abuse was not found to predict distress or QoL. FoS and SC were independent predictors of distress and QoL. There was also an interaction between childhood sexual abuse and SC in predicting QoL. A moderated-moderation was found for the relationship between child sexual abuse and distress. Psychological abuse predicted distress and QoL, and FoS and SC both moderated this relationship. Moreover, a moderated-moderation was observed for the relationship between psychological abuse and QoL. CONCLUSIONS: Greater FoS is associated with poorer outcomes for child abuse survivors; SC may mitigate this impact. Psychological abuse was the strongest predictor of well-being. Interventions that increase SC and raise awareness of psychological abuse and its impacts are needed.

Paternal pregnancy-related anxiety: Systematic review of men's concerns and experiences during their partners' pregnancies.

BACKGROUND: Up to 25 % of expectant parents experience anxiety symptoms. Pregnancy-related anxiety is characterised by concerns and worries specific to pregnancy, childbirth, and the transition to parenthood. While pregnancy-related anxiety is well-researched in women, the exact nature of this construct in men is unclear. The purpose of the current review was to examine men's concerns, worries, and fears during pregnancy and gain an understanding of their experiences during pregnancy. METHODS: An integrative review design was adopted, using thematic content analysis to synthesise findings from quantitative and qualitative studies. Quality appraisal of the quantitative studies used the AXIS appraisal tool. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklist was used for the qualitative studies. RESULTS: A comprehensive search of nine databases led to inclusion of 14 quantitative and 41 qualitative studies. Ten dimensions of paternal pregnancy-related anxiety were identified: childbirth concerns, attitudes towards childbirth, baby concerns, acceptance of pregnancy, partner concerns, relationship concerns, worry about self, transition to parenthood, attitudes towards health care professionals, and practical and financial concerns. The pregnancy transition was characterised by mixed emotions and conflicted experiences for fathers. LIMITATIONS: Generalizability of review findings was limited by poor reporting of demographic information by many included studies, exclusion of studies not published in English, and focus on heterosexual relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Expectant fathers may experience anxiety symptoms characterised by excessive worry across multiple domains of pregnancy-related concerns. Clinicians play an important role in identifying and supporting fathers with pregnancy-related anxiety and addressing the sense of exclusion often experienced by them.

Sexual violence and Australian women: A longitudinal analysis of psychosocial and behavioral outcomes.

RATIONALE: Sexual violence (SV) is associated with adverse psychosocial and behavioural outcomes with revictimization likely. However, there are significant gaps in the current literature in regard to (a) whether over time women's levels of distress/behaviour change, and (b) whether social support mediates the relationship between SV and adverse outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study aimed to address these two issues by analysing data from the Australian Longitudinal Women's Health Survey, surveys 4 (2006) to 8 (2018). Using repeated-measures data analytic procedures we found that women who had suffered SV, in comparison to women with no SV history, had greater anxiety, depression, stress, a lower mental health-related quality of life and less life satisfaction. Moreover, their level of distress remained higher at all time points, in comparison to the other group. Women with a SV history were also more likely to suffer re-victimization, consume more cigarettes and illicit drugs than other women. Moreover, SV predicted all psychosocial outcomes (except life satisfaction) 12 years later, with social support mediating these relationships. SV predicted drug status; however social support did not mediate this relationship. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that for women who have experienced SV their distress levels remain elevated. The findings also provide additional insights into the long-term impact of SV in Australian women with social support being identified as a resource that may assist in reducing some of the negative psychological outcomes associated with SV.

Psychometric properties of the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Scale-Screener.

Pregnancy-related anxiety, a distinct anxiety characterized by pregnancy-specific concerns, has consistently been associated with adverse birth outcomes and obstetric and pediatric risk factors. Despite this, widespread screening for pregnancy-related anxiety has not been integrated into routine antenatal care likely due to the absence of a psychometrically sound screener. This study reports on the initial development of a brief screener derived from the 32-item pregnancy-related anxiety scale (PrAS). Three datasets (comprising pregnant women recruited online) were utilized in the development and evaluation of the PrAS screener (PrAS-Screener). Dataset one (N = 1,084) was used to derive two potential screeners from the PrAS using principal axis factoring (PAF). The factor structure of the models was evaluated using PAF and model fit assessed with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using datasets two (N = 638) and three (N = 581). The model comprised 15 items and five subscales was selected as the superior model. The selected model (i.e., PrAS-Screener) was evaluated for convergent and discriminant validity demonstrating higher correlations with similar measures and lower correlations with dissimilar measures and high internal consistency reliability (α = .93). The PrAS-Screener assesses the three core areas of pregnancy-related anxiety (childbirth, body image, baby concerns) but has the advantage of also assessing anxiety symptoms and medical staff concerns, an area integral to providing optimal antenatal care through trusted relationships with clinicians. Initial evidence indicates that the PrAS-Screener is promising as a brief and easy-to-administer screener suitable for use in routine antenatal care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

The role of body dissatisfaction and self-compassion in pregnancy-related anxiety.

BACKGROUND: Women undergo significant physical, physiological, and psychological changes during pregnancy. They are also exposed to sociocultural pressure to meet appearance-related ideals. These pregnancy-related changes and sociocultural appearance-related pressures may place pregnant women at greater vulnerability to developing body dissatisfaction and psychological distress. To date, however, little is known about how sociocultural pressure may influence pregnancy-related anxiety, or factors that may protect against such distress during pregnancy. This study examined whether body dissatisfaction mediated the relationship between appearance-related sociocultural pressure and pregnancy-related anxiety, and whether this relationship was moderated by self-compassion and/or self-criticism. METHOD: A cross-sectional sample of 253 pregnant women (Mage = 26.28, SDage = 4.43) completed an online questionnaire measuring sociocultural pressure, body dissatisfaction, pregnancy-related anxiety, and self-compassion. RESULTS: Moderated mediation analyses revealed body dissatisfaction fully mediated the relationship between sociocultural pressure and pregnancy-related anxiety. Analyses confirmed the moderating role of self-compassion and self-criticism on the relationship between sociocultural pressure and body dissatisfaction, but not on the relationship between body dissatisfaction and pregnancy-related anxiety. LIMITATIONS: The cross-sectional nature of this study limits confirmation of the direction of relationships between sociocultural pressure, body dissatisfaction and pregnancy-related anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: While the findings of this study need to be replicated in prospective and longitudinal studies, they suggest that sociocultural pressure to meet appearance-related standards contribute to body dissatisfaction, which in turn may facilitate pregnancy-related anxiety. Self-compassion may protect the body image of pregnant women against negative effects of appearance-related sociocultural pressure.

Childhood abuse, pregnancy-related anxiety and the mediating role of resilience and social support.

Physical, sexual and psychological abuse were examined as risk factors for pregnancy-related anxiety with resilience and social support as mediators. Pregnant women (n = 638) completed measures of pregnancy-related anxiety, resilience, perceived social support and childhood abuse. Women with an abuse history had higher pregnancy-related anxiety scores (m = 64.40) than other women (m = 55.36). All abuse types independently predicted pregnancy-related anxiety; resilience and social support were mediators. Results highlight the value of antenatal screening for pregnancy-related anxiety including specific risk factors such as child abuse. Programs such as the Midwife Continuity of Care are useful in encouraging disclosure.

Child Sexual Abuse and Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Child sexual abuse is related to many negative outcomes but less known is the effect on pregnancy and childbirth. OBJECTIVE: This review critically examined the literature on the occurrence of child sexual abuse and outcomes associated with this abuse during pregnancy and childbirth. METHODS: Five databases were searched over 50 years using an iterative approach and the terms pregnancy, sexual abuse/assault, childbirth/labour, identifying 49 studies. RESULTS: The prevalence of child sexual abuse in pregnant women ranged from 2.63% to 37.25 with certain characteristics more common with a higher (e.g., specific questions, low income) or lower (broad questions, higher education) prevalence. Compared to women with no history of abuse, child sexual abuse survivors may have more concerns with their care, greater health complaints, fear childbirth and have difficulties with delivery. They also had a higher likelihood of PTSD symptomology and anxiety, consumed more harmful substances (e.g., alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs) and had greater concerns with their appearance, poorer health, sleep and may also have a higher risk of re-victimisation. CONCLUSIONS: The balance of evidence suggests that compared to non-abused women, women with a child abuse history have more adverse experiences with pregnancy, childbirth, and care, with their abuse history, likely contributes to harmful behaviours and psychopathology. However, variability in operationalisation and measurement of abuse may contribute to these findings so tentative conclusions are drawn. Future research should examine the generalisability of the findings (relating to scale limitations) and recommendations for screening (e.g., sensitive items, scoring). Clinical implications of the findings point to the need for early identification of women with a child abuse history as such women require trauma-sensitive care and consideration. A useful tool is the Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale which provides insights into specific areas of concern.

Psychometric evaluation of the pregnancy-related anxiety scale: Acceptance of pregnancy, avoidance, and worry about self subscales.

BACKGROUND: Increasingly pregnancy-related anxiety is acknowledged as a distinct anxiety type, characterised by specific fears/worries. The Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale (PrAS) screens for this distinct anxiety and refinements to the scale have prompted further validity examination. This study aims to: replicate findings that distinguished pregnancy-related anxiety from general anxiety/depression using the PrAS; confirm the PrAS's factor structure, and examine the validity of the PrAS subscales: Acceptance of Pregnancy, Avoidance and Worry About Self. METHODS: Pregnant women (N = 608) were recruited online and completed the PrAS, Pregnancy Acceptance Questionnaire, Ways of Coping Questionnaire, Cambridge Worry Scale, Parenting Sense of Competence Scale, State Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Edinburgh Depression Scale. RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis confirmed general anxiety/depression contributed little to the PrAS's variance, supporting the scale's validity and distinctiveness of pregnancy-related anxiety. Structural equation modelling confirmed the PrAS's factor structure, and the three PrAS subscales generally correlated more highly with convergent measures than the discriminant measures. LIMITATIONS: Limitations included the cross-sectional design of the study and the use of some convergent/discriminant measures that lacked validity evidence for prenatal use. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence of the distinctiveness of pregnancy-related anxiety from state/trait anxiety and depression and also adds to the psychometric properties of the PrAS. The PrAS is a useful screening scale that can be used for antenatal screening potentially reducing the risk of adverse outcomes associated with pregnancy-related anxiety. The PrAS is also a useful research tool providing a more comprehensive assessment of pregnancy-related anxiety.

Pregnancy-Related Anxiety, Perceived Parental Self-Efficacy and the Influence of Parity and Age.

Pregnancy-related anxiety is contextualised by pregnancy and is a health concern for the mother and child. Perceived parental self-efficacy is associated with this anxiety and age and parity are identified as influential factors. This research, therefore, predicted that negative perceptions of parental self-efficacy would predict greater pregnancy-related anxiety, moderated by parity and age. Participants (N = 771) were recruited online and assessed for perceived parental self-efficacy, pregnancy-related anxiety, and demographics. Moderation models showed that the psychosocial and sociodemographic factors combined predicted up to 49% of the variance. Parental self-efficacy predicted anxiety in the areas of body image, worry about themselves, baby concerns, pregnancy acceptance, attitudes towards medical staff and childbirth, and avoidance. Parity predicted pregnancy-related anxiety both overall and in childbirth concerns, worry about self, baby concerns and attitudes towards childbirth. Age predicted baby concerns. There was a significant moderation effect for pregnancy acceptance indicating that primiparous women with low perceptions of parental self-efficacy are less accepting of their pregnancy. Results suggest that parity and parental self-efficacy may be risk factors for first-time mothers for pregnancy-related anxiety.

Body dissatisfaction and Fat Talk during pregnancy: Predictors of distress.

BACKGROUND: During pregnancy, women are vulnerable to mood and anxiety disorders due to the significant physical and emotional changes that occur during this period. For some women, pregnancy can also present as a period of immense body dissatisfaction due to the substantial changes in body shape and size. OBJECTIVES: This study examined the mediating role of Fat Talk (i.e., engaging in disparaging comments about one's body shape and size with others) in the relationship between (a) body dissatisfaction and distress in pregnant women (i.e., pregnancy-related anxiety, depression and eating disorder symptomatology), and (b) sociocultural pressure to meet the thin ideal and distress. METHOD: A nonclinical sample of 408 pregnant women (Mage = 28.24 years, SDage = 5.04, range 18-44 years) completed measures of body dissatisfaction, sociocultural pressure, pregnancy-related anxiety, depression and eating disorder symptomatology. FINDINGS: Analyses confirmed the partial mediating role of Fat Talk between body dissatisfaction and all three measures of distress, when examined individually. Fat Talk also mediated the relationship between sociocultural pressure (i.e., peers/family and media) and the three measures of distress. Age also partially mediated the relationship between body dissatisfaction and a composite measure of pregnancy distress. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that women face sociocultural pressures for thinness and body dissatisfaction even when pregnant, and that engaging in Fat Talk contribute to greater levels of pregnancy-related anxiety, depression and eating disorder symptomatology. The role of Fat Talk in regard to pregnancy distress may be more pertinent to younger women.

Differentiating Autism Spectrum Disorder From ADHD Using the Social Communication Questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the ability of the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) to differentiate between autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and typically developing (TD) children. METHOD: Children ( Mage = 11.27 years, SDage = 3.28) identified with ASD Severity Levels "1" and/or "2" ( n = 28), ADHD ( n = 44), dual diagnoses of ADHD and ASD ( n = 29), and TD ( n = 61) were assessed using the SCQ. RESULTS: The SCQ differentiated between ASD and non-ASD groups. Children with ASD had higher total and domain scores on the SCQ than ADHD and TD children. The optimal cutoff total score of 13 was identified for differentiating between ASD and ADHD groups (area under the curve [AUC] = .96). Twenty eight of the 39 items were identified as significant in differentiating between ASD and ADHD. CONCLUSION: The SCQ continues to be a well-validated screening tool for ASD and is suitable for determining whether further ASD assessment is warranted in children with ADHD symptoms.