Journal article
The stigmatisation of pregnancy: societal influences on pregnant women’s physical activity Behaviour
Culture, Health and Sexuality, Vol.18(8), pp.921-935
2016
Abstract
Many women going through the major life transition of pregnancy experience decreases in physical activity behaviour, which may compromise maternal and infant health and wellbeing. Although research suggests that the social environment plays a large role in influencing women's physical activity behaviour, little is known about the association between societal attitudes and physical activity behaviour during the course of pregnancy. Through a qualitative longitudinal study, we explored women's physical activity experiences throughout pregnancy and how these were formed, supported and/or opposed by their social environment. This research included telephone interviews with 30 pregnant participants, recruited via a regional public hospital. Using a feminist standpoint analysis incorporating modern dialectics, three major tensions were identified, reflecting dominant societal discourses around physical activity and pregnancy: (1) engaging in physical activity and keeping the baby safe, (2) engaging in physical activity and obtaining social approval and (3) listening to oneself and to others. These findings present previously unrecognised opportunities for developing tailored and effective physical activity interventions among pregnant women.
Details
- Title
- The stigmatisation of pregnancy: societal influences on pregnant women’s physical activity Behaviour
- Authors
- Michelle Van Mulken (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringMargaret McAllister (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringJohn B Lowe (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
- Publication details
- Culture, Health and Sexuality, Vol.18(8), pp.921-935
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Date published
- 2016
- DOI
- 10.1080/13691058.2016.1148199
- ISSN
- 1369-1058
- Organisation Unit
- Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449486102621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
4 File views/ downloads
1207 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Family Studies
- Social Sciences, Biomedical
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites