Premium
Infant feeding and internalized stigma: The role of guilt and shame
Author(s) -
Russell Pascale Sophie,
Birtel Michèle D.,
Smith Debbie M.,
Hart Kathryn,
Newman Rebecca
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of applied social psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.822
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1559-1816
pISSN - 0021-9029
DOI - 10.1111/jasp.12810
Subject(s) - shame , psychology , feeling , psychosocial , breastfeeding , psychological intervention , developmental psychology , stigma (botany) , mental health , social support , clinical psychology , social psychology , psychotherapist , medicine , psychiatry , pathology
Abstract Globally the rates of breastfeeding duration are extremely low and postnatal mental health issues are common. As a result, it is important to examine the emotions that underlie these matters. Across two studies (one correlational study N = 160 and one experimental study N = 118), we examined participants’ experiences of shame and guilt when feeding their baby, and the relationship between these emotions with breastfeeding behaviors and internalized stigma. We also examined the psychosocial factors that predict internalized stigma, and whether shame and guilt mediate these relationships. We focused on three factors that have been shown to be associated with internalized stigma in other domains: self‐esteem and social support (Study 1), as well as self‐efficacy (Study 2). Multiple regression revealed that experienced guilt uniquely predicted a shorter duration of exclusive breastfeeding (Study 1). Higher self‐efficacy (Study 2), self‐esteem, and perceived social support (Study 1) predicted lower internalized stigma of feeding choice. We found that shame was a mediator for the self‐esteem and internalized stigma relationship (Study 1), while guilt was a mediator for the self‐efficacy and internalized stigma relationship (Study 2). Our findings highlight the importance of experienced shame and guilt in mothers’ infant feeding experiences. The current results can inform future research and the design of interventions to improve breastfeeding rates and reduce feelings of stigma.