Low Self-Esteem in New parents

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? NE
Is it more common among new parents? Identity/competence changes make self-esteem highly salient
Are new parents at higher risk? #N/A
How much higher is the risk? NE
How often can it be missed? #N/A
Does it show up differently among new parents? Strong Yes
How might it look different? Competence as a parent, sleep deprivation, changed body/relationship/work identity and loss of autonomy
What commonly occurs alongside it? #N/A
What can it be confused with? Postpartum depression/anxiety; normal uncertainty
Common screening tool RSES — Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale
Separate screening tool for new parents Maternal/parenting competence scales may supplement RSES but measure a different construct
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