Traumi emotivi della madre durante la gravidanza

[LaurAt]

Che il benessere psico-fisico della madre influisca sul feto è ormai assodato.

Esiste una 'chiara' corrispondenza, almeno a livello di probabilità, tra specifici traumi della madre - in determinati periodi - e disturbi nel bambino?

Per esempio, un forte stress psicologico (con minacce di aborto) vissuto al quarto mese di gravidanza a che conseguenze può portare?

[velvet87]

Non credo che si possano ricercare nessi causali certi e non ti saprei peraltro dire se sia stata documentata una correlazione tra le due variabili.
Ritengo comunque che si possa fare qualche ipotesi tenendo a mente la teoria (dinamicamente orientata) come linea guida.
Il secondo trimestre di gravidanza per la futura madre è di per sé segnato da un fisiologico passaggio da preoccupazioni self-oriented ad ansie e paure legate alla salute del feto che con i suoi movimenti comincia a segnalare la propria presenza fisica. Detto questo potremmo pensare che la minaccia di un aborto possa esacerbare i timori della futura mamma.
Tali preoccupazioni potrebbero modificare e in qualche modo influenzare le rappresentazioni che la madre ha del proprio bambino contribuendo alla formazione di un bambino immaginato debole e estremamente bisognoso di cure.
Concludendo, una delle "conseguenze" che tale evento potrebbe avere è da ricercare del tipo di attaccamento che la madre svilupperà: possiamo immaginare una inclinazione ad uno stile preoccupato ed intrusivo, ipervigilante, che in ultimo favorirebbe l'adozione da parte del bambino di un attaccamento insicuro-ambivalente.
Ci tengo a precisare che queste sono solo congetture ed ipotesi che possono prendere forma solo in uno scenario semplice e lineare, scenario che molto raramente si sovrappone a quello proposto dagli scenari complessi della realtà.
Ciao!

[nicknelweb]

Non credo che si possano ricercare nessi causali certi

Nella psiche non esistono la certezza e la causalità... esistono correlazioni basate su attribuzioni di senso.
Osservi bene.

[willy61]

Ti do gli abstract degli articoli che sono riuscito a trovare. Se mi mandi un pM con la tua mail te li invio

Maternal Exposure to Domestic Violence and Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses.
By: Shah, Prakesh S.; Shah, Jyotsna. Journal of Women's Health (15409996). Nov2010, Vol. 19 Issue 11, p2017-2031. 15p. Abstract: Background: Pregnant women who experience domestic violence are at increased risk of adverse outcomes in addition to the risks to themselves. Inadequate prenatal care, higher incidences of high-risk behaviors, direct physical trauma, stress, and neglect are postulated mechanisms. Our objective was to systematically review birth outcomes among women who experienced domestic violence. Methods: Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and bibliographies of identified articles were searched for English language studies. Studies reporting rates of low birth weight, preterm birth, small for gestational age births, birth weight, or gestational age at birth were included. Study quality was assessed for selection, exposure assessment, confounder adjustment, analyses, outcomes assessment, and attrition biases. Unadjusted and adjusted data from included studies were extracted by two reviewers. Summary odds ratio (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the random effects model. Population-attributable risk was calculated. Results: Thirty studies of low to moderate risk of biases were included. Low birth weight (adjusted OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.28-1.82) and preterm births (adjusted OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.27-1.67) were increased among women exposed to domestic violence. As the prevalence of reported domestic violence during pregnancy was low, the population-attributable risk was low. Prospective cohort studies provided robust and consistent results. Conclusions: Maternal exposure to domestic violence was associated with significantly increased risk of low birth weight and preterm birth. Underreporting of domestic violence is hypothesized. Effective programs to identify violence and intervene during pregnancy are essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2010.2051. (AN: 54970923)

Effects of Intimate Partner Violence on Pregnancy Trauma and Placental Abruption.
By: Leone, Janel M.; Lane, Sandra D.; Koumans, Emilia H.; DeMott, Kathy; Wojtowycz, Martha A.; Jensen, Jessica; Aubry, Richard H. Journal of Women's Health (15409996). Aug2010, Vol. 19 Issue 8, p1501-1509. 9p. Abstract: Aims: Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy increases women's risk of pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes. The goal of this study was to examine the association between IPV and prenatal trauma and placental abruption during pregnancy. Methods: Prenatal and hospital obstetrical charts were reviewed for 2873 women who gave birth between January 2000 and March 2002 in a Northeastern city. We examined associations among sociodemographic characteristics, health-related variables, IPV, and pregnancy trauma and placental abruption using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Of the 2873 women in the analyses, 105 (3.7%) reported IPV during prenatal care. After controlling for sociodemographic variables; tobacco, alcohol, and drug use; preeclampsia; and gestational diabetes during pregnancy, women who reported IPV also had higher odds of pregnancy trauma and placental abruption (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 32.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 14.33-71.80, p < 0.01, and OR 5.17, 95% CI 1.37-19.51, p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusions: This study found that IPV is a significant and independent risk factor for pregnancy trauma and placental abruption after controlling for factors typically associated with these outcomes. This study has implications for partner violence screening and intervention policies among pregnant women and highlights the importance of making distinctions about the type of IPV that women experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2009.1716. (AN: 52680930)

Is There an “Abortion Trauma Syndrome”? Critiquing the Evidence.
By: Robinson, Gail Erlick; Stotland, Nada L.; Russo, Nancy Felipe; Lang, Joan A.; Occhiogrosso, Mallay. Harvard Review of Psychiatry. Jul/Aug2009, Vol. 17 Issue 4, p268-290. 23p. 2 Charts. Abstract: The objective of this review is to identify and illustrate methodological issues in studies used to support claims that induced abortion results in an “abortion trauma syndrome” or a psychiatric disorder. After identifying key methodological issues to consider when evaluating such research, we illustrate these issues by critically examining recent empirical studies that are widely cited in legislative and judicial testimony in support of the existence of adverse psychiatric sequelae of induced abortion. Recent studies that have been used to assert a causal connection between abortion and subsequent mental disorders are marked by methodological problems that include, but not limited to: poor sample and comparison group selection; inadequate conceptualization and control of relevant variables; poor quality and lack of clinical significance of outcome measures; inappropriateness of statistical analyses; and errors of interpretation, including misattribution of causal effects. By way of contrast, we review some recent major studies that avoid these methodological errors. The most consistent predictor of mental disorders after abortion remains preexisting disorders, which, in turn, are strongly associated with exposure to sexual abuse and intimate violence. Educating researchers, clinicians, and policymakers how to appropriately assess the methodological quality of research about abortion outcomes is crucial. Further, methodologically sound research is needed to evaluate not only psychological outcomes of abortion, but also the impact of existing legislation and the effects of social attitudes and behaviors on women who have abortions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] DOI: 10.1080/10673220903149119. (AN: 43440487)

Trauma of Pregnancy Loss and Infertility Among Mothers and Involuntarily Childless Women in the United States.
By: Schwerdtfeger, Kami L.; Shreffler, Karina M. Journal of Loss & Trauma. May/Jun2009, Vol. 14 Issue 3, p211-227. 17p. 3 Charts, 2 Graphs. Abstract: Recent studies have repeatedly associated posttraumatic symptoms with women's experience of pregnancy loss. Using a nationally representative sample of American women (N = 2,894) from the National Survey of Fertility Barriers, the current study examines long-term psychological outcomes and reactions to pregnancy loss and infertility among mothers and involuntarily childless women. In general, childless women who had experienced pregnancy loss or failure to conceive reported the lowest life satisfaction and highest levels of depression despite a considerable period of time (7 years) since the loss or first year without a conception. However, women with the dual experience of pregnancy loss and involuntary childlessness reported the most fertility-related distress. Results of the current study suggest that the “non-event” of involuntary childlessness may serve as an additional stressor in the traumatic experience of pregnancy loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] DOI: 10.1080/15325020802537468. (AN: 38610472)

Past Traumatic Events: Are They a Risk Factor for High-Risk Pregnancy, Delivery Complications, and Postpartum Posttraumatic Symptoms?
By: Lev-Wiesel, Rachel; Chen, Roni; Daphna-Tekoah, Shir; Hod, Moshe. Journal of Women's Health (15409996). Jan2009, Vol. 18 Issue 1, p119-125. 7p. Abstract: Background: This study aimed to examine the association among past traumatic events, high-risk pregnancy, delivery complications, and postpartum posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms. Methods: The final convenience sample consisted of 1071 Jewish women at midpregnancy. Data were gathered at three time points (during pregnancy and 1 month and 6 months after childbirth) through self-report questionnaires. Results: There was a higher percentage of high-risk pregnancy among those who reported a history of traumatic events. Although the total score of PTS symptoms did not correspond with high-risk pregnancy, the intrusion and avoidance subscales did. Furthermore, a history of traumatic events as well as prenatal PTS symptoms, prenatal depression, and the subjective pain and distress during delivery accounted for postpartum PTS symptoms. Prenatal depression was found to account for delivery complications. Conclusions: Findings indicate that a history of trauma should be considered a risk factor for high-risk pregnancy and for postpartum PTS symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2008.0774. (AN: 35974805)

Complications during pregnancy, peri- and postnatal period in a sample of women with a history of child abuse.
By: Möhler, E.; Matheis, V.; Marysko, M.; Finke, P.; Kaufmann, C.; Cierpka, M.; Reck, C.; Resch, F. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology. Sep2008, Vol. 29 Issue 3, p197-202. 6p. 1 Chart. Abstract: Background. As a proposed risk factor for infant and child development, maternal history of abuse has been a frequent target of investigation. However, there have been no controlled studies about the impact of maternal history of abuse on the medical course of pregnancy, the peri- and postnatal period. Method. All women with a newborn child were contacted by mail and presented with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). The index group (n = 58) was formed by women who scored above the cutoff for moderate or severe abuse and compared to a control group (n = 60) with regard to pre,- peri-, and postnatal complications as documented in the patient charts. Results. The results show that women with a history of abuse have significantly more prenatal medical complications and infant medical complications in the post- but not perinatal period. Conclusions. Maternal history of abuse significantly impacts the medical course of delivery and the puerperium. Given the prevalence of abusive experiences, this finding is highly relevant from a preventive point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] DOI: 10.1080/01674820801934252. (AN: 34506851)

An Indirect Effects Model of the Association Between Poverty and Child Functioning: The Role of Children's Poverty-Related Stress.
By: Wadsworth, Martha E.; Raviv, Tali; Reinhard, Christine; Wolff, Brian; Santiago, Catherine DeCarlo; Einhorn, Lindsey. Journal of Loss & Trauma. Mar-Jun2008, Vol. 13 Issue 2/3, p156-185. 30p. 4 Diagrams, 5 Charts. Abstract: The authors tested a theoretical model positing that poverty has an indirect effect on child and adolescent functioning through children's poverty-related stress. Path analyses with a multiethnic sample of 164 children aged 6 to 18 revealed that the stress associated with poverty, such as economic strain, family conflict, violence/trauma, and discrimination, is an important component of the experience of poverty for children. Poverty-related stress was associated with a wide range of correlates, including internalizing and externalizing syndromes, DSM-IV diagnostic symptoms, physical health, and deviant behavior such as pregnancy, legal problems, substance abuse, and school dropout. Most models fit equally well for adolescents and preadolescents, suggesting that poverty is stressful for children as young as 6. African American children's functioning was less strongly associated with poverty-related stress than was the functioning of Hispanic and Caucasian children. Implications of poverty-related stress as a potential mechanism of poverty's pernicious effect on child functioning are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] DOI: 10.1080/15325020701742185. (AN: 31373115)

EFFECTS OF PREVIOUS PREGNANCY LOSS ON LEVEL OF MATERNAL ANXIETY AFTER PRENATAL ULTRASOUND SCREENING FOR FETAL MALFORMATION.
By: Brisch, Karl Heinz; Munz, Dorothee; Kächele, Horst; Terinde, Rainer; Kreienberg, Rolf. Journal of Loss & Trauma. Mar/Apr2005, Vol. 10 Issue 2, p131-153. 23p. Abstract: The impact of previous stillbirth, miscarriage, or preterm delivery on anxiety in pregnant women in various subgroups at high risk for fetal abnormality in comparison with a nonrisk control group of women with healthy uncomplicated pregnancies was studied longitudinally. The level of anxiety in women (n = 674) during early pregnancy was assessed by questionnaire. Data were collected at three points in time: immediately before the ultrasound scanning, at 5-6 weeks, and at 10-12 weeks after the prenatal examination for fetal malformation. In genera I, all women with high-risk pregnancies (n 506) s/towed high levels of anxiety immediately before ultrasound scanning. There was a significant decrease in anxiety over the following 10-12 weeks. By contrast, level of anxiety was not raised in the no-risk control group (n= 168). However, pregnant women [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] DOI: 10.1080/15325020590908849. (AN: 16602912)

THE TRAUMA OF ULTRASOUND DURING A PREGNANCY FOLLOWING PERINATAL LOSS.
By: O'Leary, Joann. Journal of Loss & Trauma. Mar/Apr2005, Vol. 10 Issue 2, p183-204. 22p. Abstract: This article explores how grief and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are relived during the ultrasound examination following perinatal loss. The research and testimonials of both mothers and fathers show how it is imperative that health care providers consider PTSD symptoms a normal phenomenon under these circumstances. Moreover, it is critical that parents be prepared for memories to resurface during this time. Staying in the present while being mindful of past trauma helps the focus remain on the current pregnancy and lessens the risk of PTSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] DOI: 10.1080/15325020590908876. (AN: 16602922)

Trauma and grief 2–7 years after termination of pregnancy because of fetal anomalies – a pilot study.
By: Kersting, A; Dorsch, M; Kreulich, C; Reutemann, M; Ohrmann, P; Baez, E; Arolt, V. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology. Mar2005, Vol. 26 Issue 1, p9-14. 6p. Abstract: The aim of the study was to obtain information on the long-term posttraumatic stress response and grief several years after termination of pregnancy due to fetal malformation. We investigated 83 women who had undergone termination of pregnancy between 1995 and 1999 and compared them with 60 women 14 days after termination of pregnancy and 65 women after the spontaneous delivery of a full-term healthy child. Women 2–7 years after termination of pregnancy were expected to show a significantly lower degree of traumatic experience and grief than women 14 days after termination of pregnancy. Contrary to the hypothesis, however, the results showed no significant intergroup differences with respect to the degree of traumatic experience. With the exception of one subscale (fear of loss), this also applied to the grief reported by the women. However, both groups differed significantly in their posttraumatic stress response from women who had given spontaneous birth to a full-term healthy child. The results indicate that termination of pregnancy is to be seen as an emotionally traumatic major life event which leads to severe posttraumatic stress response and intense grief reactions that are still detectable some years later. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] DOI: 10.1080/01443610400022967. (AN: 16710917)

Maternal Exposure to Domestic Violence and Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses.
By: Shah, Prakesh S.; Shah, Jyotsna. Journal of Women's Health (15409996). Nov2010, Vol. 19 Issue 11, p2017-2031. 15p. Abstract: Background: Pregnant women who experience domestic violence are at increased risk of adverse outcomes in addition to the risks to themselves. Inadequate prenatal care, higher incidences of high-risk behaviors, direct physical trauma, stress, and neglect are postulated mechanisms. Our objective was to systematically review birth outcomes among women who experienced domestic violence. Methods: Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and bibliographies of identified articles were searched for English language studies. Studies reporting rates of low birth weight, preterm birth, small for gestational age births, birth weight, or gestational age at birth were included. Study quality was assessed for selection, exposure assessment, confounder adjustment, analyses, outcomes assessment, and attrition biases. Unadjusted and adjusted data from included studies were extracted by two reviewers. Summary odds ratio (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the random effects model. Population-attributable risk was calculated. Results: Thirty studies of low to moderate risk of biases were included. Low birth weight (adjusted OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.28-1.82) and preterm births (adjusted OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.27-1.67) were increased among women exposed to domestic violence. As the prevalence of reported domestic violence during pregnancy was low, the population-attributable risk was low. Prospective cohort studies provided robust and consistent results. Conclusions: Maternal exposure to domestic violence was associated with significantly increased risk of low birth weight and preterm birth. Underreporting of domestic violence is hypothesized. Effective programs to identify violence and intervene during pregnancy are essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2010.2051. (AN: 54970923)

poco, e non esattamente quel che hai chiesto, ma questo c'è.

Buona vita

[willy61]

Aggiungo ancora qualche abstract che può essere in tema con la tua richiesta:

Perinatal depression: implications for child mental health.
By: Muzik, Maria; Borovska, Stefana. Mental Health in Family Medicine. 2010, Vol. 7 Issue 4, p239-247. 9p. 1 Diagram, 1 Chart. Abstract: Perinatal depression is common and primary care holds a crucial role for detecting, treating or, if necessary, providing referrals to mental health care for affected women. Family doctors should be aware of risk factors for peripartum depression, including previous history of depression, life events and interpersonal conflict. Perinatal depression has been associated with many poor outcomes, including maternal, child and family unit challenges. Infants and young children of perinatally depressed mothers are more likely to have a difficult temperament, as well as cognitive and emotional delays. The primary care setting is uniquely poised to be the screening and treatment site for perinatal depression; however, several obstacles, both at patient and systems level, have been identified that interfere with women's treatment engagement. Current published treatment guidelines favour psychotherapy above medicines as first line treatment for mild to moderate perinatal depression, while pharmacotherapy is first choice for severe depression, often in combination with psychosocial or integrative approaches. Among mothers who decide to stop taking their antidepressants despite ongoing depression during the perinatal period, the majority suffer from relapsing symptoms. If depression continues post-partum, there is an increased risk of poor mother-infant attachment, delayed cognitive and linguistic skills in the infant, impaired emotional development and risk for behavioural problems in later life. Complex, comprehensive and multilevel algorithms are warranted to treat perinatal depression. Primary care doctors are best suited to initiate, carry out and evaluate the effectiveness of such interventions designed to prevent adverse outcomes of maternal perinatal depression on mother and child wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] (AN: 59830017)

Maternal depression and dyadic interaction: the role of maternal attachment style.
By: Flykt, Marjo; Kanninen, Katri; Sinkkonen, Jari; Punamäki, Raija-Leena. Infant & Child Development. Sep/Oct2010, Vol. 19 Issue 5, p530-550. 21p. 4 Charts, 3 Graphs. Abstract: Maternal mental health and the contents of her representational world are important determinants of early parent-child relationship. We examined, first, the role of prenatal and postnatal depressive symptoms and maternal attachment style in predicting the quality of mother-child interaction. Second, we analysed whether the secure-autonomous attachment style can protect the dyadic interaction from the negative effects of maternal depression. The participants were 59 mother-infant pairs examined during pregnancy (T1), 4-5 months postpartum (T2) and when the children were approximately 14 months old (T3). Maternal attachment style was assessed with a modified Adult Attachment Interview -procedure, depressive symptoms with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and observed mother-child interaction with Care Index. The results show that autonomous mothers were more sensitive and responsive and their children more co-operative than dyads with dismissing maternal attachment style. As hypothesized, mothers with the combination of both prenatal and postpartum depressive symptoms were highly unresponsive in their dyadic interaction. Further, prenatal depressive symptoms had a stronger impact on maternal unresponsiveness than postnatal symptoms. As hypothesized, mother's autonomous attachment style protected the mother-child interaction from the negative impact of maternal postnatal depressive symptoms, whereas dyads with preoccupied mothers were especially at risk for interaction problems when mothers had postpartum depressive symptoms. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] DOI: 10.1002/icd.679. (AN: 53916901)

Pregnancy after perinatal loss: association of grief, anxiety and attachment.
By: Gaudet, Caroline. Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology. Aug2010, Vol. 28 Issue 3, p240-251. 12p. 5 Charts. Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the psychological experience of pregnancy after a previous perinatal loss and to bring to light the risk factors of psychological distress and disorders in instituting antenatal attachment with the subsequent child. Methods: 96 pregnant women, having experienced a previous perinatal loss answered several questionnaires which measured the feelings of perinatal grief (PGS), anxio-depressive symptomatology (HADS), acceptance of pregnancy, identification with the maternal role (PSEQ) and perinatal attachment (MAAS). The control group included 74 women with no experience of perinatal loss. Results: Women having suffered from perinatal loss reported significantly higher scores of grief and anxio-depressive symptoms compared to the control group. These variables were significant predictors of prenatal attachment. Conclusion: Findings reveal the intense psychological distress during pregnancy following a perinatal loss and underscore the need for psychosocial and clinical care when there is a perinatal loss, care that should be extended up to the birth of the subsequent child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] DOI: 10.1080/02646830903487342. (AN: 52815653)

Maternal appraisals of risk, coping and prenatal attachment among women hospitalised with pregnancy complications.
By: White, Olive; McCorry, Noleen K.; Scott-Heyes, Geraldine; Dempster, Martin; Manderson, John. Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology. May2008, Vol. 26 Issue 2, p74-85. 12p. 4 Charts. Abstract: One goal of pregnancy is the development of maternal emotional attachment to the unborn baby, and this attachment has been shown to be related to later relationships and development. There are many factors which may hinder the development of prenatal attachment, including the presence of complications, hospitalisation, and anxiety. However, women's appraisals of risk may not be congruent with medical assessments of risk. The current study sought to model the relationships between risk (maternal perceptions and medical ratings), coping, psychological well-being, and maternal-foetal attachment among 87 women hospitalised for pregnancy-related complications. Analysis indicated that positive appraisal as a coping strategy mediates the relationship between maternal appraisals of risk and maternal-foetal attachment, and that medical ratings of risk were not predictive of maternal-foetal attachment. Awareness of the potential incongruence between patients' and health professionals' perceptions of risk is important within the clinical environment. The potential benefits of promoting positive appraisal in high-risk pregnancy merit further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] DOI: 10.1080/02646830801918455. (AN: 31632349)

A prevention and promotion intervention program in the field of mother–infant relationship.
By: Ammaniti, Massimo; Speranza, Anna Maria; Tambelli, Renata; Muscetta, Sergio; Lucarelli, Loredana; Vismara, Laura; Odorisio, Flaminia; Cimino, Silvia. Infant Mental Health Journal. Jan/Feb2006, Vol. 27 Issue 1, p70-90. 21p. 6 Charts. Abstract: The purpose of the study was to analyze the efficacy of early home-visiting intervention in enhancing the quality of mother–infant interaction in psychosocial risk and depressive risk mother–infant dyads. Thirty depressive risk, 28 psychosocial risk, and 33 low-depressed and low-risk mothers were randomly distributed between the Home Visiting Program and control groups. Attachment (Adult Attachment Interview; Main & Goldwyn, 1997) and maternal representations during pregnancy (Interview of Maternal Representations During Pregnancy; Ammaniti, Candelori, Pola, & Tambelli, 1999) and after the birth of the infant (Interview of Maternal Representations After the Birth; Ammaniti et al., 1999) were evaluated as well as depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale; Radloff, 1977) during the first year. Ratings of sensitivity, interference, affective state of the mother, cooperation, and infant self-regulation during mother–infant interactions were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Results showed the efficacy of the home-visiting program in improving sensitive maternal behaviors toward the child after 6 months of intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] DOI: 10.1002/imhj.20081. (AN: 19901227)

Childbearing depressive symptomatology in high–risk pregnancies: The roles of working models and social support.
By: Besser, A.; Priel, B.; Wiznitzer, A. Personal Relationships. Dec2002, Vol. 9 Issue 4, p395-413. 19p. 5 Charts, 3 Graphs. Abstract: Guided by both attachment and social support theories, the authors conducted a longitudinal investigation exploring the concomitant effects of perceptions of spouse support (anticipated and received spouse support) and internal working models of attachment (positive–self and positive–other), on childbearing depressive symptomatology. Distinct main and interaction effects for attachment dimensions and perceived support variables were hypothesized for high– and low–risk pregnancies. Participants in the final sample were 200 pregnant women who completed the self–report between the 25th and the 29th weeks of pregnancy, and 8 weeks after childbirth. Controlling for initial levels of depressive symptoms and health conditions, results demonstrated the protective role of high levels of received support and of positive–other models on childbirth depressive symptoms. Moreover, received support and models of positive–other were found to interact with health conditions, producing distinct moderation effects: Received support was found to be a significantly stronger protective factor for childbearing depression among women with low–risk pregnancies; positive–other models were found to be a significantly stronger protective factor among women with high–risk pregnancies. The implications of these findings for the understanding of intrapersonal and interpersonal factors in successful coping with a health risk situation are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] (AN: 10466915)

The role of maternal prenatal attachment in a woman's experience of pregnancy and implications for the process of care.
By: Laxton-Kane, M.; Slade, P. Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology. Nov2002, Vol. 20 Issue 4, p253-266. 14p. Abstract: This paper aims to review current knowledge concerning the development of prenatal attachment, the impact of demographic and pregnancy variables, and the implications for care and well-being of the foetus. The studies suggest that level of prenatal attachment, as assessed by questionnaires, typically increases throughout the course of pregnancy. It is likely that higher levels of social support are associated with increased levels of prenatal attachment but more research is needed into the association with this and other psychological variables. There is little evidence concerning the impact on prenatal attachment of procedures carried out as routine antenatal care or about the effects of high risk or surrogate pregnancies. An important area of emerging research involves investigating the implications of low levels of prenatal attachment and risk to the foetus. More research is needed into the relationship between prenatal attachment and how women care for themselves and their developing baby in terms of healthrelated behaviours. The current conceptual framework of the majority of prenatal attachment studies which focus on measuring levels rather than style can be considered over-simplistic. Greater integration with theoretical perspectives such as the development of maternal representations of care-giving would be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] DOI: 10.1080/0264683021000033174. (AN: 8572451)

A Transgenerational Conceptualization of Psychosomatic Distress During Pregnancy: Implications for Infant Mental Health.
By: St-André, Martin; Twomey, Jean E. Infant Mental Health Journal. Spring96, Vol. 17 Issue 1, p43-57. 15p. Abstract: A conceptualization of psychosomatic distress during pregnancy is suggested, stemming from a development psychopathology framework and based on contributions from the psychosomatic and attachment literature. A link is suggested between psychosomatic distress during pregnancy, patterns of representational activity, and transgenerational risks of relationship disturbances. Developmental transformations during pregnancy are reviewed, with an emphasis on the vicissitudes of integrating internalized relationships with a person’s family or origin. Psychosomatic theory is used to generate hypotheses about the representational activity of mothers who experience psychosomatic distress during pregnancy. Attachment theory is used to discuss the link between maternal representational activity and the transgenerational transmission of relationship patterns. As an example of psychosomatic distress during pregnancy, relevant literature on severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is reviewed, and clinical vignettes are presented to illustrate how this condition may sometimes be a forerunner of mother-infant difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] (AN: 11990287)

Interventions in Early Infancy.
By: Field, Tiffany. Infant Mental Health Journal. Winter92, Vol. 13 Issue 4, p329-336. 8p. Abstract (English): Infants of high-risk pregnancies and deliveries may need early intervention to facilitate attachment both to and from their caregivers. Three early interventions are described: (1) giving high-risk pregnant women video feedback during prenatal ultrasound, which reduced maternal anxiety, obstetric complications, and fetal activity and improved neonatal outcome (increased weight gain, better performance on the Brazelton, and decreased irritability); (2) providing preterm neonates nonnutritive sucking opportunities to reduce stress during heelsticks and gavage feedings; and (3) providing preterm neonates and preterm cocaine-exposed neonates massage therapy, which facilitated weight gain and better performance on the Brazelton scale. Following improved neonatal behavior, infants would be expected to have better interactions with their caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] (AN: 23856448)

Buona vita

[velvet87]

Nella psiche non esistono la certezza e la causalità... esistono correlazioni basate su attribuzioni di senso.
Osservi bene.

Ne sono fortemente convinto e mi auguro che nello scrivere non abbia lasciato intendere il contrario.
Se così non fosse peraltro l'attività clinica sarebbe morta ancor prima di essere nata.

[valdantina]

hai ragione....

[GIUNONE]

Non vi sono nessi di causalità lineare, così come già detto dai colleghi, tra un evento ed una "conseguenza"... Entra in gioco l'interpretazione psicoaffettiva dell'evento e le rappresentazioni pregne di senso che la madre ha di se stessa, del bimbo idealizzato/reale e del rapporto filiale (in primis quello vissuto con la propria madre). Di per sè un evento "traumatico" può non influire significativamente, basti pensare alle gravidanze in paesi assediati dalla guerra (laddove son messi a rischio addirittura i bisogni primari) oppure le madri che, seppur in apparente assenza di eventi francamente traumatici, nutrono sentimenti di forte ambivalenza o rifiuto nei confronti del nascituro. Appare quindi centrale nella Salute della madre e del bimbo il modo con cui la mamma interpreta ciò che le accade, i significati che attribuisce e che permeano di senso il rapporto filiale che sceglie, anche inconsapevolmente, di agire.