Journal Abstracts
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KEY WORDS: Doula, postpartum care, breastfeeding, parenting.
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Few studies of pregnancy have been designed to include the pregnant woman's perspective. This qualitative study was conducted to explore women's perspectives of their experience of pregnancy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 pregnant women (24-39 years). The analysis revealed six major themes: support during pregnancy; experience of pregnancy; finding information; changing values; model of care; and being responsible. Results suggest that women's experience of pregnancy may be enhanced offering guidance and enabling access to multiple sources of support.
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The current study sought to establish the psychometric properties of the Cambridge Worry Scale (CWS) in early pregnancy to determine the potential clinical usefulness of the sub-scales that comprise this measure. The CWS was administered to 129 women during early pregnancy at the antenatal booking clinic. Factor analysis revealed support for the socio-medical, health, socio-economic and relationships subscale domains. The CWS sub-scales were observed to assess dimensions distinct to those of anxiety and depression.
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This article examines the genesis of sexual preference. Since human beings as a species are unique in that they have a sexual orientation toward their own gender (homosexuality) as well as the opposite sex (heterosexuality), how or where this preference begins is of interest. This paper examines the research and focuses on how and why some fetuses lack male hormones at the end of pregnancy, which along with stress responses may trigger a high level of activity in the mother's adrenal glands impacting the developing child's later sexual orientation.
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This article identifies an issue within the discipline of prenatal and perinatal (PPN) psychology, namely that the field currently consists of individual practitioners' modalities without empirical validation around treatment efficacy. The goal undertaken was to integrate the PPN literature related to adult psychotherapy into a coherent and practical model to serve as a guide for students and professionals that could also be empirically tested.
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The emerging science of pre and perinatal psychology and developmental neuroscience suggests newborns are conscious and capable of feeling and establishing memory at birth. The science points to the potential for imprinting traumatic events at birth which may then become the foundation for future mal adaptive behavior patterns and mental illness. Pre and perinatal thought leaders are calling for new models of obstetric and neonatal care that acknowledge the consciousness and suffering of babies at the time of the trauma.
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This is the first known study of the psychosocial impact of terrorism among pregnant women. Ninety-nine women attending prenatal care in New York City were interviewed after September 11, 2001 and classified by drinking patterns. Current drinkers with a history of alcohol dependence perceived less social support following the disaster compared to other women. History of illegal drug use prior to maternal awareness of pregnancy was related to a weaker maternal-fetal bond. Greater exposure to trauma predicted stronger subjective effects and more depressive symptoms.
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Over the past 70 years former Soviet Union women have had relatively different reproductive lives and histories than their European counterparts. Since the break-up of the Soviet Union those countries that have European roots now have the possibility to transition toward a Western standard of living. Belarus is a country bordering Poland, and in three years time will likely be one of the countries just outside of the European Union borders.
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Franz Renggli, Ph.D. presents an in-depth discussion of his work as a psychoanalyst and body psychotherapist in Basel, Switzerland. This discussion is enhanced by the inclusion of several case studies.
KEY WORDS: body psychotherapy, birth psychology.
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In this paper the author explores varying behaviors of fathers during the prenatal life of the unborn from a psychoanalytic and family system perspective, enriched by studies from the field of prenatal psychology. He suggests broadening the meaning of behavior to encompass communications that are not clearly visible, audible, or tangible, and emphasizes the importance of the communication of affect in assessing whether an expression of caring and love is genuine and sincere.
