Predicting fear of childbirth during pregnancy, the positive role of self-efficacy and mental well-being: a cross-sectional study.

Forbes-McKay, Katrina E.; Tabib, Mo; Humphrey, Tracy

Abstract

Whilst the negative impact of fear of childbirth (FOC) is well established, there is limited understanding of the factors that reduce it. This study, aimed to explore the relationship between positive mental well-being, childbirth self-efficacy, and FOC during pregnancy through a Salutogenic lens. Using a cross-sectional design, 88 pregnant women recruited from a public hospital in North East Scotland completed an online survey including the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS), Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory (CBSEI), and Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ). The sample scored a mean of 50.36 on WEMWBS, 84.63 for efficacy-expectancy, 127.00 for efficacy-outcome on CBSEI, and 62.19 on W-DEQ. Twelve per cent exhibited a severe FOC. FOC was negatively correlated with mental well-being, childbirth self-efficacy expectancy, and self-efficacy outcome. Multiple regression analysis indicated that higher mental well-being (β = −0.39, p < 0.001) was the strongest predictor of lower FOC. The findings highlights the important role of positive mental well-being and childbirth self-efficacy in reducing FOC, and suggest a need for antenatal education targeted at mastering childbirth techniques and enhancing positive emotions, sense of purpose, and meaning. These findings align with global health priorities by emphasizing the importance of antenatal care that supports and promotes both physical and mental well-being.

Citation

FORBES-MCKAY, K.E., TABIB, M. and HUMPHREY, T. 2025. Predicting fear of childbirth during pregnancy, the positive role of self-efficacy and mental well-being: a cross-sectional study. Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynecology [online], 46(1), article number 2527658. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/0167482X.2025.2527658

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: Jun 26, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Jul 4, 2025
• Publication Date: Dec 31, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jul 24, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 24, 2025
• Journal: Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynecology
• Print ISSN: 0167-482X
• Electronic ISSN: 1743-8942
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 46
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: 2527658
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0167482X.2025.2527658
• Keywords: Pregnancy; Maternal mental well-being; Fear of childbirth; Self-efficacy; Antenatal education
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2898353