57 research outputs found
WHEN CHILDBIRTH BECOMES TRAUMATIC: CULTURAL INSIGHTS AND DIAGNOSTIC ADVANCES IN PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH IN ITALY
No full textThe study of childbirth-related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CB-PTSD) has gained increasing attention due to its significant impact on maternal mental health and family well-being. Despite advancements in understanding PTSD in general, CB-PTSD remains an underexplored area, particularly in the context of Italian maternal care. This thesis addresses the need for a comprehensive investigation into CB-PTSD by integrating different perspectives such as cultural, diagnostic, and psychiatric. Specifically, the goal of this work was to explore CB-PTSD within the Italian cultural context, focusing on the psychological challenges mothers face during the perinatal period, and to adapt culturally sensitive diagnostic tools, such as the Italian version of the City Birth Trauma Scale (City BiTS-IT), for improving early detection, intervention, and integration of CB-PTSD into maternal mental health assessments in Italy.
The research begins with an exploration of the cultural context of parenting in Italy, laying the groundwork for understanding the societal norms and expectations that influence parents’ experiences during the perinatal period. This qualitative study provides critical insights into how cultural beliefs shape perceptions of good parenting, which is necessary for recognising the unique challenges that may contribute to CB-PTSD.
Building on this cultural foundation, the thesis then systematically reviews existing instruments used to assess CB-PTSD according to DSM-5 criteria, highlighting the limitations of current tools that are often adapted from general PTSD measures. This review underscores the urgent need for more precise and culturally sensitive diagnostic instruments tailored to the specificities of childbirth-related trauma. In response to this need, the thesis proceeds to validate the Italian version of the City Birth Trauma Scale (City BiTS-IT). This newly validated tool is crucial for accurately diagnosing CB-PTSD in Italian mothers, facilitating early detection and intervention, and thereby improving maternal mental health outcomes.
The final chapter broadens the focus to examine the psychiatric comorbidities associated with CB-PTSD, such as postpartum depression and anxiety, and their effects on mother-child bonding (i.e., Cena et al., 2020). This chapter also provides an overview of current perinatal mental health assessment practices in Italy, advocating for the inclusion of CB-PTSD in routine screenings to ensure comprehensive maternal care.
In conclusion, this thesis offers a multi-faceted exploration of CB-PTSD within the Italian cultural and healthcare context. By combining qualitative cultural analysis, systematic review, instrument validation, and examination of psychiatric comorbidities, this work aims to enhance the understanding and management of CB-PTSD, ultimately contributing to better maternal mental health care in Italy. As the chapters unfold, they provide a cohesive narrative that links cultural perspectives with clinical practice, underscoring the importance of addressing CB-PTSD in perinatal assessments and interventions.Lo studio del Disturbo Post-Traumatico da Stress correlato al parto (CB-PTSD) ha ricevuto crescente attenzione a causa del suo significativo impatto sulla salute mentale materna e sul benessere familiare. Nonostante i progressi nella comprensione generale del PTSD, il CB-PTSD rimane un'area poco esplorata, in particolare nel contesto dell’assistenza materna italiana. Questa tesi affronta la necessità di un’indagine approfondita sul CB-PTSD integrando diverse prospettive, tra cui quella culturale, diagnostica e psichiatrica. In particolare, l’obiettivo di questo lavoro è stato esplorare il CB-PTSD nel contesto culturale italiano, concentrandosi sulle sfide psicologiche che le madri affrontano nel periodo perinatale, e adattare strumenti diagnostici culturalmente sensibili, come la versione italiana della City Birth Trauma Scale (City BiTS-IT), per migliorare l’identificazione precoce, l’intervento e l’integrazione del CB-PTSD nelle valutazioni della salute mentale materna in Italia.
La ricerca inizia con un’esplorazione del contesto culturale della genitorialità in Italia, ponendo le basi per comprendere le norme e le aspettative sociali che influenzano l’esperienza dei genitori durante il periodo perinatale. Questo studio qualitativo fornisce spunti critici su come le credenze culturali modellino le percezioni di una "buona" genitorialità, aspetto fondamentale per riconoscere le sfide uniche che possono contribuire allo sviluppo del CB-PTSD.
Partendo da questa base culturale, la tesi passa a una revisione sistematica degli strumenti esistenti per la valutazione del CB-PTSD secondo i criteri del DSM-5, evidenziando i limiti degli attuali strumenti diagnostici, spesso adattati da misure generali di PTSD. Questa analisi sottolinea l’urgenza di disporre di strumenti diagnostici più precisi e culturalmente adattati per il trauma legato al parto. Per rispondere a questa necessità, la tesi procede alla validazione della versione italiana della City Birth Trauma Scale (City BiTS-IT). Questo strumento validato risulta essenziale per diagnosticare accuratamente il CB-PTSD nelle madri italiane, facilitando l’identificazione precoce e l’intervento, con un conseguente miglioramento della salute mentale materna.
L’ultimo capitolo amplia il focus esaminando le comorbilità psichiatriche associate al CB-PTSD, come la depressione postpartum e l’ansia, e i loro effetti sul legame madre-bambino (ad es., Cena et al., 2020). Questo capitolo fornisce anche una panoramica delle attuali pratiche di valutazione della salute mentale perinatale in Italia, sostenendo l’inclusione del CB-PTSD negli screening di routine per garantire un’assistenza materna più completa.
In conclusione, questa tesi offre un’analisi multifattoriale del CB-PTSD nel contesto culturale e sanitario italiano. Integrando l’analisi qualitativa culturale, la revisione sistematica, la validazione di strumenti diagnostici e lo studio delle comorbilità psichiatriche, questo lavoro mira a migliorare la comprensione e la gestione del CB-PTSD, contribuendo a un’assistenza più efficace per la salute mentale materna in Italia. I capitoli forniscono una narrazione coerente che collega le prospettive culturali alla pratica clinica, sottolineando l’importanza di includere il CB-PTSD nelle valutazioni e negli interventi perinatali
Parent–infant skin-to-skin contact and stress regulation: A systematic review of the literature
No full textSeveral studies have focused on neonatal maternal separation (MS) to investigate be-havioural and neuroendocrine reactions to lack of contact, but only a few have focused on early separation in the first days or weeks after birth. This literature review investigates the vital importance of contact and touch by exploring how skin-to-skin contact (SSC) regulates stress in the mother–infant relationship. Various databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were searched for literature published between 2015 and 2020. From 1141 articles, 22 were declared eligible. The reviewed articles showed how SSC regulates child stress by biological indicators such as the autonomic nervous system (ANS), heart rate variability (HRV), cortisol, and oxytocin. This research concludes the importance of SSC for stress regulation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. With no research to date indicating a possible risk of neonatal COVID-19 transmission following SSC, SSC should continue to be practiced for all women, as recommended by the WHO
Concerning the Lewis acidity of NO+ and NO2/+ as measured by their affinity to selected bases
No full textRecently published theoretical results concerning the NO+ and NO2/+ gas-phase affinities of a few selected molecules, as well as the correlation between the above quantities and the corresponding proton affinities, are examined in the context of the much larger body of experimental and theoretical data already reported in the literature.Fil: Cacace, Fulvio. Università degli studi di Roma "La Sapienza"; ItaliaFil: Ciuffo, Gladys Maria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Luis. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis; ArgentinaFil: De Petris, Giulia. Università degli studi di Roma "La Sapienza"; Itali
Concerning the Lewis acidity of NO+ and NO2+ as measured by their affinity to selected bases.
No full textRecently published theoretical results concerning the NO1 and NO12
gas-phase af®nities of a few selected molecules, as well
as the correlation between the above quantities and the corresponding proton af®nities, are examined in the context of the much
larger body of experimental and theoretical data already reported in the literature. q2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights
reserved
Supplementary materials to "Assessing perinatal psychiatric morbidity: Implications for maternal mental health care in Italy" [Other]
No full textSupplementary materials [Other]. The related article is Ciuffo, G., Landoni, M., & Ionio, C. (2025). Assessing perinatal psychiatric morbidity: Implications for maternal mental health care in Italy. Clinical Psychology in Europe, 7(3), Article e15117. https://doi.org/10.32872/cpe.15117Supplementary File 1 – Table 1 and Measures (see Ciuffo et al., 2025S): This Supplementary Material includes a table summarizing the demographic characteristics and obstetric information of the 175 Italian mothers who participated in the study. It provides details such as maternal age, region of residence, marital status, occupation, educational attainment, and various obstetric variables, including mode of delivery and maternal/infant complications during birth. Additionally, the Supplementary Material offers detailed information on the self-report questionnaires used in the study: the City Birth Trauma Scale (City BiTS), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale (PSAS), and the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ). Each measure is described in terms of its structure, scoring, and internal reliability.unknownunknow
Exploring the Effects of Cancer as a Traumatic Event on Italian Adolescents and Young Adults: Investigating Psychological Well-Being, Identity Construction and Coping Strategies
No full textCancer in adolescence is considered a family disease that can have numerous negative
psychological consequences for adolescents and the entire household. The aim of this study was
to investigate the impact of oncological disease in adolescence, with particular reference to the
psychological and post-traumatic consequences for the adolescents themselves and the family system.
An explorative case–control study was conducted with 31 adolescents (mean age 18.03 ± 2.799)
hospitalised for cancer at IRCCS San Matteo Hospital in Pavia and 47 healthy adolescents (mean age
16.17 ± 2.099). The two samples completed a survey that included sociodemographic information
and questionnaires assessing psychological well-being, traumatic effects of the disease, and adequacy
of the relationship with parents. 56.7% of oncology adolescents scored below average in psychological
well-being, and a small proportion of them fell within the range of clinical concern for anger (9.7%),
PTS (12.9%), and dissociation (12.9%). Compared with peers, there were no significant differences.
However, in contrast to peers, oncology adolescents showed a strong influence of the traumatic
event on the construction of their identity and life perspectives. A significantly positive correlation
also emerged between adolescents’ psychological well-being and the relationship with their parents
(mothers: r = 0.796; p < 0.01; fathers: r = 0.692; p < 0.01). Our findings highlight how cancer in
adolescence could represent a central traumatic event that can shape the identity and life of teenagers
who are in an intrinsically delicate and vulnerable stage of life
Preventing Premature Family Maladjustment: Protocol for a Multidisciplinary eHealth Study on Preterm Parents’ Well-Being
No full textBackground: The consequences of preterm birth extend beyond the clinical conditions of the newborn, profoundly impacting the functioning and well-being of families. Parents of preterm infants often describe the experience of preterm birth and subsequent admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) as a disruptive event in their lives, triggering feelings of guilt, helplessness, and fear. Although various research examines changes in parents’ well-being and perception of self-efficacy during the stay in the NICU, there is a lack of research analyzing what happens in the transition phase at home after the baby’s discharge. Recently, scholars have advocated for the use of web-based support programs to monitor and prevent preterm family maladjustment and assist parents. Objective: This interdisciplinary research will develop a sociopsychological model focused on assessing the well-being of parents of premature infants during and after their stay in a NICU. Specifically, the study aims to (1) monitor the mental health of parents of premature infants both at the time of the child’s discharge from the NICU and in the first 6 months after discharge to prevent family maladjustment, (2) deepen our understanding of the role of digital tools in monitoring and supporting preterm parents’ well-being, and (3) study the potential impact of the relationship with health care professionals on the overall well-being of parents. Methods: This project combines mixed methods of social research and psychological support with an eHealth approach. The well-being of parents of premature infants will be assessed using validated scales administered through a questionnaire to parents of preterm infants within 6 NICUs at the time of the child’s discharge. Subsequently, a follow-up assessment of parental well-being will be implemented through the administration of the validated scales in a web application. In addition, an ethnographic phase will be conducted in the NICUs involving observation of the interaction between health care professionals and parents as well as narrative interviews with health care staff. Finally, interactions within the digital environment of the web application will be analyzed using a netnographic approach. We expect to shed light on the determinants of well-being among parents of premature infants in relation to varying levels of prematurity severity; sociodemographic characteristics such as gender, age, and socioeconomic status; and parental involvement in NICU care practices. With the follow-up phase via web application, this project also aims to prevent family maladjustment by providing psychological support and using an eHealth tool. Results: The results are expected by October 2025, the expiration date of the Project of Relevant National Interest. Conclusions: The eHealth Study on Preterm Parents’ Well-Being aims to improve preterm parents’ well-being and, indirectly, children’s health by reducing social costs. Furthermore, it promotes standardized neonatal care protocols, reducing regional disparities and strengthening collaboration between parents and health care staff
Perspectives on early insights: pediatric cancer caregiving amidst natural calamities - A call for future preparedness
No full textNatural disasters cause immense damage and disruption to the environment, human lives, and property, posing a threat to safety and well-being. These disasters annually affect individuals and communities, severely impacting mental health. Research indicates a significant link between catastrophic events and an increased risk of mental disorders, including anxiety, depression, substance use, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals with chronic conditions, like cancer patients, are particularly vulnerable post-disaster due to disrupted healthcare services. The recent earthquake in Morocco highlighted the urgent need for continued care, especially for vulnerable populations living in poverty. Soleterre Foundation's interventions focus on supporting young cancer patients and their families, emphasizing psychological support following the earthquake. Effective disaster response needs coordinated efforts, clear roles, communication, and standardized healthcare procedures, especially for vulnerable groups like cancer patients. Education programs for patients and clinicians are vital for disaster preparedness. Communication challenges and lack of medical history further emphasize the need for well-defined disaster preparedness plans and continued care guidelines for cancer patients
Running Away from the War in Ukraine: The Impact on Mental Health of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Refugees in Transit in Poland
No full textA growing body of research highlights how communities traumatized by conflict and displacement suffer from long-term mental and psychosocial illnesses. The Russian army’s attack on Ukraine has resulted in an estimated 10 million people being internally or externally displaced from Ukraine, of whom more than 3.8 million have left Ukraine to seek refuge elsewhere in Europe. Soleterre has decided to launch an intervention to provide psychological support to Ukrainian refugees and IDPs, aimed at containing war trauma, assessing the severity of symptoms, and enabling those affected to receive psychological support. The intervention model envisioned the administration of an intake form to provide a rapid collection of qualitative and quantitative information for those arriving in Poland or Lviv from Ukraine. Our results showed how most of the samples reported high or very high levels of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. Moreover, results highlighted how being close to families or being able to keep in touch with them work as a protective factor in enhancing resilience, as well as a support network. These findings underscored the importance of re-thinking our perception of “family” in a broader sense, considering the new facets it can take on in post-conflict situations
Linguistic features of postpartum depression using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count text analysis
No full textObjective: This qualitative study examines the linguistic features associated with postpartum depression.
Methods: In this longitudinal online study, 53 mothers completed self-report questionnaires assessing symptoms of postpartum depression, as well as an expressive writing exercise about their pregnancy and birth. For the expressive writing intervention, mothers were randomly divided into two groups (intervention and control groups). Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count [LIWC] was used to examine the written data for depression and no depression groups.
Results: The overall use of words varied depending on the severity of depressive symptoms. Negative emotions and introspective terms were associated with depression, as well as lower use of first-person plural pronouns but not singular pronouns. Additionally, the groups of individuals with depression showed a positive correlation between depressive symptoms and words referring to friends, leisure activities, the body, breastfeeding, exercise, and eating attitudes.
Conclusion: In addition to self-disclosure, word analysis and appropriate categorization could be useful for perinatal symptomatology in pregnant women, and interestingly also a meaningful tool that can be taught and used as a preventive care measure among pregnant and postpartum women
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