The role of personality traits on fear of childbirth in pregnant women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to summarize the relationship between personality traits and fear of childbirth.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases from 1858 to January 23, 2024. Eligible studies were cross-sectional or longitudinal, involving pregnant women and examining links between personality traits and fear of childbirth. A random effects model was employed for the meta-analysis of the Big Five personality traits and fear of childbirth, with subgroup analyses of measurement tools. Additional personality traits were reviewed narratively.

RESULTS

Of the 15 papers involving 4513 pregnant women included in the systematic review, nine were meta-analyzed. The heterogeneity of the meta-analysis was acceptable and the results revealed that neuroticism (summary r = 0.34, 95 % CI [0.27, 0.41]), extraversion (summary r = -0.19, 95 % CI [-0.25, -0.13]), agreeableness (summary r = -0.16, 95 % CI [-0.23, -0.09]), conscientiousness (summary r = -0.17, 95 % CI [-0.24, -0.10]), and openness (summary r = -0.13, 95 % CI [-0.23, -0.03]) were correlated with fear of childbirth (p < 0.001). The associations of neuroticism and openness with fear of childbirth were further amplified when using the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire. In the narrative review, 20/5 personality traits were positively/negatively related to fear of childbirth, with the strongest correlations found in negative perfectionism and socialization.

CONCLUSION

Personality traits are closely associated with fear of childbirth, which would facilitate early identification of high-risk pregnant women. Psychological interventions targeting personality traits are needed to mitigate fear of childbirth and clarify mechanisms via longitudinal studies.