The relationship between anxiety, self-compassion, and well-being in pregnant women

Uyanik A., KOÇ G., USLU ŞAHAN F., YÜCEL ÖZÇIRPAN Ç.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, cilt.26, sa.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 26 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1186/s12884-026-09385-7
  • Dergi Adı: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Anxiety, Pregnancy, Self-compassion, Well-being
  • Hacettepe Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background: Pregnancy involves physiological, psychological, and social changes. Pregnancy-related anxiety can negatively affect maternal mental health, whereas self-compassion and well-being serve as protective factors. This study examined the relationships between pregnancy-related anxiety, self-compassion, and well-being in pregnant women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 220 pregnant women attending a gynecology outpatient clinic in northern Türkiye. Data were collected using the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Scale (PrAS), Well-Being in Pregnancy Scale (WIP), and Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF). Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Results: Pregnancy-related anxiety was negatively associated with well-being (r = -.232, p <.01) and self-compassion (r = -.605, p <.01). Regression analyses showed that subdimensions of anxiety and well-being significantly predicted self-compassion, explaining 55.2% of the variance (Adjusted R² = 0.552, p <.001). Conclusion: Higher pregnancy-related anxiety is linked to lower self-compassion and well-being, whereas positive psychological resources may buffer these effects. Interventions targeting anxiety reduction and enhancement of self-compassion and well-being are recommended to support maternal mental health.