The Determination of the Relationship between Pregnant Women's Self-Perception and Dyadic Adjustment in Relation to Sexual Attitudes, and Identification of Influencing Factors

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between pregnant women's self-perception and dyadic adjustment with their attitudes towards sexuality during pregnancy, and to identify influencing factors. Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study were collected through the self-report technique using a snowball sampling method between June 2022 and June 2023. A total of 403 pregnant women were included in the study. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, Pregnant Women's Self-Perception Scale (PWSPS), Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS), and Pregnancy Sexual Attitude Scale (PSAS). Results: The study revealed that pregnant women's perceptions of motherhood and body image were moderate, the quality of their relationships with their partners was good, and their attitudes towards sexuality during pregnancy were negatively rated. Maternal perception (r=0.541, p<0.0001) and dyadic adjustment (r=0.102, p=0.040) showed a positive relationship with attitudes towards sexuality during pregnancy, while body image (r= -0.144, p=0.004) exhibited a negative relationship. Maternal perception and dyadic adjustment were significant predictors of attitudes towards sexuality during pregnancy (p<0.001). Conclusions: Increasing relationship satisfaction and compromise, which are significant determinants of maternal perception and dyadic adjustment during pregnancy, enhance positive attitudes towards sexuality.