The Relationship between Demographic Variables and Psychological Capital in Pregnant Women

Zahra Zamanian; Zohre Khalajinia; Abolfazl Mohammadbeigi; Zohre Momenimovahed

doi:10.18502/jebhpme.v9i2.20204

Zahra Zamanian Spiritual Health Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
Zohre Khalajinia Department of Midwifery, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
Abolfazl Mohammadbeigi Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
Zohre Momenimovahed Spiritual Health Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jebhpme.v9i2.20204

Keywords: Pregnant woman, Psychological capital, Demographics, Positive psychology

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is one of the most sensitive and challenging periods in women’s lives, accompanied by significant physical, psychological, and social changes that may affect mental health. Psychological capital, as a valuable internal resource, plays a critical role in empowering women to cope with the pressures of pregnancy. This study aimed to examine the relationship between components of psychological capital (self-efficacy, hope, resilience, and optimism) and demographic variables during pregnancy.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 70 pregnant women attending health centers affiliated with Qom University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using the McGee Psychological Capital Questionnaire, along with demographic information such as age, employment status, husband’s occupation, and education. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and linear regression. A significance level of P<0.05 was also considered.

Results: Significant associations were found between self-efficacy and husband’s age (P=0.046), women’s employment (P<0.001), and planned pregnancy (P=0.048). Hope correlated positively with women’s age (P=0.034), husband’s age (P=0.012), employment (P<0.001), husband’s job (P=0.045), and planned pregnancy (P=0.030). Resilience was associated with women’s age (P=0.027), husband’s age (P=0.033), satisfaction with pregnancy (P=0.027), and women’s employment (P<0.001). Optimism correlated significantly with employment (P=0.004), husband’s job (P=0.028), and planned pregnancy (P=0.013). Overall psychological capital was significantly higher in employed women (P<0.001) and those with planned pregnancies (P=0.020). Linear regression showed that only maternal employment had a significant positive effect on psychological capital (β=0.38, P=0.002).

Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of social support and psychological factors in promoting maternal mental health. Social and individual factors such as employment and planned pregnancy play a vital role in strengthening women’s psychological resources during pregnancy, potentially improving quality of life and reducing stress.