Self-esteem enhancement in Lamaze-prepared mothers

This experimental study focused on self-concept change in 42 primigravid mothers enrolled in Lamaze Prepared Childbirth Courses and randomly assigned to either experimental (Group 1) or control groups (Group 2). A self-esteem enhancement audiotape was the provided to the experimental group. The Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS) was used to measure change, as well as 3 questions regarding childbirth preparation which were administered to both groups during the first and last classes. There were no significant differences in Total Positive scores on the TSCS between Groups 1 and 2, nor were there any between-group differences on any of the 3 childbirth preparation questions. However, significant within-group differences were found on three subscales of the TSCS. Higher end-point scores for Social Self (both groups), Physical Self (Group 1) and Personal Self (Group 2) were evidenced. Group 1 subjects showed the greatest positive change in the Behavior dimension, while Group 2 subjects declined slightly. Self-Criticism scores revealed that both groups became slightly less critical of themselves.