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Scognamiglio C, Sorge A, Borrelli G, Perrella R, Saita E. Exploring the connection between childhood trauma, dissociation, and borderline personality disorder in forensic psychiatry: a comprehensive case study. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1332914. [PMID: 38464619 PMCID: PMC10920285 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1332914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This case study examines the complex relationship between childhood trauma, dissociation, and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) within the context of forensic psychiatry. It focuses on a young murder defendant named "Paul," who has experienced various traumatic events, including childhood maltreatment and domestic violence. These experiences have led to dissociative states marked by high emotional intensity, particularly of an aggressive nature, and impaired impulse control, resulting in violent behavior during dissociative episodes. The study employs advanced assessment tools like Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM), the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III), and the Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (LS/CMI) to gain a comprehensive understanding of Paul's psychopathological condition, risk factors, and rehabilitation needs. The LS/CMI assessment highlights a high risk of recidivism, mainly influenced by family relationships, educational challenges, interpersonal connections, and aggressive tendencies. To address the multifaceted needs of individuals like Paul, the study emphasizes the importance of using transdiagnostic models for trauma and dissociation. This approach informs tailored treatment programs that include processing past traumatic experiences, improving self-identity, nurturing healthy relational patterns, and enhancing emotional regulation. Although this study is based on a single case, it serves as a model for integrating assessment tools and theoretical-clinical models in the field of forensic psychiatry. Understanding the intricate dynamics of childhood trauma, dissociation, and BPD is crucial for making informed decisions, conducting risk assessments, and developing rehabilitation programs within the justice system. Future research should expand the scope of cases and further validate assessment tools to advance our understanding of this complex relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonia Sorge
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Borrelli
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Perrella
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
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Vagnini D, Natalucci V, Moi S, Vallorani L, Pietrelli A, Panico AR, Ferri Marini C, Lucertini F, Annibalini G, Sisti D, Rocchi MBL, Catalano V, Saita E, Emili R, Barbieri E. Home-based lifestyle intervention for breast cancer survivors: A surprising improvement in the quality of life during the first year of COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296163. [PMID: 38165970 PMCID: PMC10760703 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic induced an extraordinary impact on public mental health to a degree not completely understood, especially in vulnerable populations such as breast cancer (BC) survivors. In this study, we described the short- (after 3-month) and long- (after 12-month) term effects of a multidisciplinary home-based lifestyle intervention in Italian women BC survivors during the first year of COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS In total, 30 Italian BC survivors with risk factors for recurrence took part in the ongoing MoviS trial (protocol: NCT04818359). Between January 2020 and January 2021, a 3-month lifestyle intervention based on psychological counseling, nutrition, and exercise was carried out. Participants were asked to fill out psychological questionnaires for the assessment of quality of life (QoL) indicators (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL, EORTC-QLQ-C30) and psychological health measures such as fatigue (Brief Fatigue Inventory, BFI), distress (Distress Thermometer, DT and Psychological Distress Inventory, PDI), cancer-related fatigue (Verbal Rating Scale, VRS), and mood states (Profile of Mood States Questionnaire, POMS). IBM SPSS Statistical Software version 27.0 and R Project for Statistical Computing version 4.2.1 were used to process data. All participants were assessed at four time points: T0 (baseline), T1 (3-month), and follow-up at T2 and T3 (6- and 12-month, respectively) to measure primary (quality of life indicators) and secondary (psychological health) outcomes. Friedman non parametric test and Wilcoxon signed rank test (with Bonferroni correction) were conducted to investigate the statistically significant differences in psychometric scores and between assessment times. RESULTS Compared to baseline (T0), at T1 most of the QoL indicators (i.e., symptoms of fatigue and general health) were improved (p < 0.017) with the exception of a worsening in participants' social functioning ability. Also, perception of severity of fatigue, distress, cancer-related fatigue, depression, and anger enhanced. Compared to baseline (T0), at T3 we mainly observed a stable condition with T0-T1 pairwise comparison, however other secondary outcomes (i.e., fatigue mood state, confusion, and anxiety) significantly improved. DISCUSSION Our preliminary findings support the proposal of this lifestyle intervention for BC survivors. Despite the home-confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the intervention surprisingly improved QoL indicators and psychological health of the participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Vagnini
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Natalucci
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Sara Moi
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Luciana Vallorani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Alice Pietrelli
- Medical Oncology Unit, AST Pesaro-Urbino, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital Urbino, Urbino, Italy
| | - Andrea Rocco Panico
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Carlo Ferri Marini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Francesco Lucertini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Giosuè Annibalini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Davide Sisti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Marco Bruno Luigi Rocchi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Catalano
- Medical Oncology Unit, AST Pesaro-Urbino, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital Urbino, Urbino, Italy
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Rita Emili
- Medical Oncology Unit, AST Pesaro-Urbino, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital Urbino, Urbino, Italy
| | - Elena Barbieri
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
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Vagnini D, Sorge A, Acquati C, Colafemmina FA, Saita E. Implementing the framed portrait experience with Italian breast cancer survivors: a pilot study assessing short term effects of an existential approach to body image, coping skills, and self-efficacy. J Cancer Surviv 2023:10.1007/s11764-023-01438-6. [PMID: 37597069 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-023-01438-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Breast cancer (BC) and its treatments significantly impact the psychological wellbeing of women. Interventions offered during cancer survivorship have documented positive consequences for quality of life. However, limited evidence is available regarding the implementation of therapeutic photography. This study investigated the efficacy of the framed portrait experience (FPE) when implemented to BC survivors. METHODS A quasi-experimental study was conducted. Participants were enrolled in a non-randomized pre-post intervention with a comparison group. Forty BC survivors were recruited using a convenience sampling approach; of these, 20 were subsequently allocated to the intervention (FPE group) and 20 to the comparison group. Participants were assessed at pretest and posttest (3 weeks later) using self-reported measures of body image, coping, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. Independent samples t-tests compared group composition at pretest. Mixed between-within 2 × 2 repeated-measures ANOVAs examined pretest-posttest changes in the variables of interest. RESULTS No differences were detected between groups at pretest. A significant interaction effect on body image, problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and in self-efficacy competence subscale (p < 0.05) was identified. Post hoc pairwise comparisons with the Bonferroni correction indicated improvement on these domains in the FPE group vs. comparison group. Additionally, significant main effects of time on self-efficacy total score and magnitude subscale (p < 0.05) were found. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary results support the efficacy of FPE, but further research is needed. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Existential approaches inclusive of self-portraits and illness narratives can be utilized to support BC survivors in the management of the psychological consequences of the illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Vagnini
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy.
| | - Antonia Sorge
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Acquati
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Health Disparities Research, The UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
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Vagnini D, Grassi MM, Saita E. Evaluating Somatic Experiencing ® to Heal Cancer Trauma: First Evidence with Breast Cancer Survivors. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:6412. [PMID: 37510644 PMCID: PMC10380079 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20146412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Somatic Experiencing® is a bio-psychological method for the treatment and prevention of trauma and chronic stress, which has never been investigated with breast cancer (BC) survivors. Eight weeks of web-based synchronous group sessions were structured between April and June 2022. Potential participants were recruited using a convenience sampling approach and through the collaboration of a public hospital in northern Italy and a non-profit association of BC women. Thirty-five eligible participants were enrolled and divided into an intervention group (n = 21) and a control group (n = 14). Anxiety, depression, distress (HADS), coping strategies (Mini-MAC), trauma reworking skills (PACT), and body image (BIS) were assessed at T0 and after 8 weeks (T1). Qualitative items concerning the most significant moments and learnings were completed at T1 by the intervention group. An independent t-test confirmed no between-group psychological differences at T0. As hypothesized, paired-sample t-tests showed decreases in anxiety, depression, distress (p < 0.05), and anxious preoccupation coping strategy (p < 0.001), but also improvements in forward focus (p < 0.05) and body image (p < 0.001) in the intervention group. The controls worsened over time with increases in hopeless/helplessness (p < 0.001) and avoidance (p < 0.05) coping strategies. Textual analyses extracted five dominant themes that summarized the meaning of the experience for participants. The preliminary results suggest the effectiveness of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Vagnini
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy
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Vagnini D, Lamperti N, Molgora S, Barile F, Facchin F, Mazza U, Saita E. Mental Health Issues as a Consequence of the Pandemic: Group Psycho-Educational Intervention to Support Patients Recovered from COVID-19 Infection. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:6105. [PMID: 37372692 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20126105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Common psycho-physical symptoms have emerged in patients who were previously recovered for COVID-19 infection, including traumatic experience and enduring emotional disturbances. A group psycho-educational intervention of seven weekly sessions and a follow-up after three months was proposed to all Italian-speaking patients formally discharged from a public hospital in northern Italy and physically recovered from infection. Eighteen patients were recruited and divided into four age-homogenous groups, each led by two facilitators (psychologists and psychotherapists). The group sessions followed a structured format with thematic modules, including main topics, tasks, and homework assignments. Data were collected through recordings and verbatim transcripts. The objectives of the study were twofold: (1) to analyze the emerging themes and gain insight into the significant aspects of the participants' lived experience of COVID-19, and (2) to examine changes in how participants approached these themes throughout the intervention process. Semantic-pragmatic text analyses, specifically thematic analysis of elementary context and correspondence analysis, were conducted using T-LAB software. Linguistic analysis revealed a congruence between the intervention's objectives and the participants' experiences. The study highlighted an evolution in the narratives, as participants transitioned from a passive and concrete perspective on the disease to a more comprehensive cognitive and emotional elaboration of their personal illness stories. These findings hold potential relevance for healthcare services and professionals working in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Vagnini
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicolò Lamperti
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Molgora
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Barile
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Facchin
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Umberto Mazza
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy
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Saita E, Acquati C, Molgora S, Vagnini D, Piccolo EM, Valenti F, Stratta G, Grassi MM. Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) and delayed care: a qualitative analysis of psychosocial factors. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2023; 28:408-418. [PMID: 35521977 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2022.2073379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The literature has extensively documented how delayed access to health care services in the context of cancer can result from subjective characteristics, dysfunctional coping styles, barriers to care, or procrastination. However, limited research has investigated the psychosocial experience of women diagnosed with Locally Advanced Breast Cancer (LABC). This qualitative study aimed at understanding cognitive, emotional and relational factors associated with delayed access to care and treatment decision-making. In-depth interviews with 14 Italian women were conducted. A thematic analysis of elementary contexts using T-LAB was used to identify the association between emerging clusters and participants' coping styles as measured by the Mini-MAC. Five clusters were identified: 'relationships', 'ineluctability', 'disease', 'surgery', and 'diagnosis'. The 'relationships' cluster was characterized by elevated rates of Fighting Spirit (p < 0.01) while Anxious Preoccupation was associated with 'surgery' (p < 0.01). Findings contribute to explain individual and relational variables related to delay seeking care of LABC patients by illustrating the interplay of personal motivations and social networks' characteristics. Evidence from this work expands current understanding of the interplay of factors contributing to delays in seeking medical attention and may be utilized to inform strategies to timely identify women at greater risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Acquati
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Health Disparities Research, The UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sara Molgora
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Denise Vagnini
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Gregorio Stratta
- Breast Unit, Humanitas Gavazzeni Clinical Institute, Bergamo, Italy
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Ballesio A, Zagaria A, Musetti A, Lenzo V, Palagini L, Quattropani MC, Vegni E, Bonazza F, Filosa M, Manari T, Freda MF, Saita E, Castelnuovo G, Plazzi G, Lombardo C, Franceschini C. Longitudinal associations between stress and sleep disturbances during COVID‐19. Stress Health 2022; 38:919-926. [PMID: 35332673 PMCID: PMC9111163 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The psychological consequences of COVID-19 pandemic may include the activation of stress systems, that involve the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis which influences many physiological functions, including sleep. Despite epidemiological studies evidenced greater prevalence of stress symptoms and sleep disturbances during COVID-19, longitudinal evidence investigating the effects of stress on sleep disturbances during the pandemic is lacking. We collected measures of perceived stress and sleep disturbances during the first wave of COVID-19 (March 2020) and at 8-10 months follow up in a sample of 648 adults (M = 33.52, SD = 12.98 years). Results showed that 39.4% of participants reported moderate to extremely severe stress in March 2020. Prevalence of sleep disturbances was 54.8% in March 2020 and 57.4% at follow-up. Structural equation modelling highlighted that perceived stress in March 2020 significantly predicted sleep disturbances at follow up (β = 0.203; p < 0.001), even after controlling for baseline sleep disturbances. Results remained significant even after controlling for the effects of covariates including age, sex, depression and anxiety symptoms, and referring to psychological services (β = 0.179; p < 0.05). Findings confirm the high prevalence of stress symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide first longitudinal evidence for the effects of perceived stress on sleep disturbances during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ballesio
- Department of PsychologySapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Andrea Zagaria
- Department of PsychologySapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Alessandro Musetti
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural IndustriesUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Vittorio Lenzo
- Department of Social and Educational Sciences of the Mediterranean AreaUniversity for Foreigners “Dante Alighieri”Reggio CalabriaItaly
| | - Laura Palagini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatric SectionUniversity of PisaAzienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana (AOUP)PisaItaly
| | | | - Elena Vegni
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | | | - Maria Filosa
- Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Tommaso Manari
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural IndustriesUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | | | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of PsychologyCatholic University of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Department of PsychologyCatholic University of MilanMilanItaly,Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCSPsychology Research LaboratoryVerbaniaItaly
| | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural SciencesUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly,IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di BolognaBolognaItaly
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Molgora S, Campo E, Carones MB, Ferrazzi E, Saita E, Facchin F. Predictors of Women’s Childbirth Experience: A Prospective Longitudinal Study on Italian New Mothers. Int J Childbirth 2022. [DOI: 10.1891/ijc-2021-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDWomen’s memories of their childbirth experience tend to remain unchanged over time. This experience can be influenced by obstetric factors as well as by sociodemographic and psychological variables.OBJECTIVETo examine whether women’s perceived childbirth experience changes over time; to identify the predictors (obstetric, sociodemographic, and psychological variables) of this experience immediately after delivery and after 3 months.METHODSThis prospective longitudinal study comprised two hundred and twenty-one Italian women who completed a self-report questionnaire at two assessment points: immediately (1–3 days) after birth (Time 1) and 3 months postpartum (Time 2). At Time 1, the questionnaire included some questions on sociodemographic, psychological, and obstetric information, and the Wijma Delivery Experience Questionnaire (WDEQ(B); at Time 2 women compiled again the WDEQ(B).RESULTSRepeated measures ANOVA revealed that the childbirth experience did not change from Time 1 to Time 2. However, predictors of this experience were different between Time 1 and Time 2: at Time 1, the childbirth experience (WDEQ(B)_t1) was significantly predicted nly by type of cesarean section; at Time 2, the childbirth experience (WDEQ(B)_t2) was significantly predicted by WDEQ(B)_t1, history of psychological disorders, and type of conception.DISCUSSIONSOur findings enhance the understanding of the main predictors of a woman’s childbirth experience. Identifying areas of vulnerability is important for clinical practice, as well as for developing maternal health policies to improve women’s birth experiences, postpartum well-being, and the baby’s development.
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Facchin F, Barbara G, Buggio L, Dridi D, Saita E. P-304 Sexual function in women with endometriosis: an online survey. Hum Reprod 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac107.290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Study question
What factors are associated with sexual function in women with endometriosis?
Summary answer
In this study, the most important variables associated with sexual function were dyspareunia (especially deep and introital dyspareunia combined), infertility, fatigue, and psychological comorbidities.
What is known already
Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecologic disease that affects women of reproductive age, with negative consequences on multiple life domains, including sexuality. Although it has been demonstrated that endometriosis-related sexual issues may negatively affect women’s intimate relationships, their subjective experience remains overlooked, either in research or clinical practice. In this regard, the impact of dyspareunia (especially deep dyspareunia) has been highlighted in several studies, but the role of symptoms other than pain, such as fatigue, infertility, and psychological comorbidities, has not been yet clarified. Moreover, little is known about how women deal with dyspareunia and the quality of doctor-patient communication.
Study design, size, duration
This observational study was conducted between 8 November and 21 December 2021 in collaboration with the largest Italian patient association, Associazione Progetto Endometriosi (APE [Endometriosis Project Association]). Data were collected through a self-administered online survey hosted on Qualtrics (Qualtrics Ltd.). Women were invited to participate in the study via APE’s Facebook page and newsletters. The online survey was anonymous, and women were allowed to complete it only after providing their electronic consent.
Participants/materials, setting, methods
Participants were 612 women (age: 36.41 ± 6.72 years) with a surgical or clinical diagnosis of endometriosis and a sexual partner. They completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Demographic and gynaecologic data – including endometriosis stage, type of lesions, symptoms (e.g., pelvic pain, fatigue, infertility), treatment –, and information regarding women’s subjective experience of dyspareunia were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire.
Main results and the role of chance
Dyspareunia was experienced by 524 (86%) women. Sexual dysfunction (FSFI total score < 26.55) was reported by 479 (78%) participants. Multiple regression analyses revealed that sexual function (FSFI total score) was associated with dyspareunia (β = −.108, P = .008), infertility (β = −.082, P = .040), fatigue (β = −.108, P = .021), and symptoms of anxiety and depression (HADS total score; β = −.127, P = .021). Women with sexual dysfunction were more likely to report rectovaginal endometriotic lesions (59% vs. 47%, P = .016) and stage 4 endometriosis (43% vs. 32%, P = .002), to experience deep and introital dyspareunia combined (50% vs. 21%, P < .001), with greater symptoms of anxiety and depression (F [2,595] = 21.812, P < .001, Wilk’s Λ = .932, η2p = .068) and lower self-esteem (t [589] = 5.111, P < .001). Women with dyspareunia and sexual dysfunction reported greater fear of pain and consequent inability to relax during intercourse, avoidance of sex, worries about their sexual life, sexual dissatisfaction, and feelings of guilt towards the partner (Ps < .001), along with poorer support and understanding from doctors (P = .006) than women with dyspareunia who did not report sexual dysfunction.
Limitations, reasons for caution
This is one of the largest studies on sexual function in women with endometriosis. However, there are reasons for caution when interpreting our results due to the self-reported nature of all the data (including medical information) and the risk of selection bias due to our recruitment strategy.
Wider implications of the findings
Our results clearly indicate that the majority of women with endometriosis experience sexual problems that are mostly (but not solely) due to dyspareunia. The assessment of sexual function should be included in routine clinical practice with these patients, also considering its association with psychological symptoms and self-esteem.
Trial registration number
Not applicable
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Affiliation(s)
- F Facchin
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Department of Psychology , Milan, Italy
| | - G Barbara
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico- University of Milan, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health , Milan, Italy
| | - L Buggio
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Gynaecology Unit , Milan, Italy
| | - D Dridi
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Gynaecology Unit , Milan, Italy
| | - E Saita
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Department of Psychology , Milan, Italy
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Saita E, Ferraris G, Acquati C, Molgora S, Sorge A, Valenti F, Grassi MM, Vagnini D. Dyadic Profiles of Couples Coping With Body Image Concerns After Breast Cancer: Preliminary Results of a Cluster Analysis. Front Psychol 2022; 13:869905. [PMID: 35401315 PMCID: PMC8983958 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.869905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer treatments have multiple adverse effects, including concerns about body appearance and function that are experienced by most patients. Altered body image negatively affects mental health, social, and relationship functioning. While the relationship with a partner is critical for patients’ psychological wellbeing and partners can promote positive body image, limited research has investigated individual and relational factors affecting the experience of both. This cross-sectional study aimed at (1) exploring rates of body image concerns among breast cancer patients, and (2) identifying dyadic profiles among participating dyads. Couples composed by patients who had undergone surgery and their romantic partners (n = 32) were recruited from the Breast Unit of a hospital in northern Italy. Both partners completed measures of personality characteristics (BFQ-2), psychological distress (HADS), coping flexibility (PACT), dyadic coping (DCQ), and closeness (IOS). Body image (BIS) and adjustment to cancer (Mini-MAC) measures were completed by patients only. K-mean cluster analyses identified 2-cluster solution among patients and partners, respectively. “Active patients” (cluster-1) reported low rates of body image concerns (p < 0.001), anxious preoccupation, negative dyadic coping, and self-oriented stress communication (p < 0.05), compared to “worried patients” (cluster-2). “Comfortable partners” (cluster-1) reported lower anxiety and depression (p < 0.001), self-oriented negative dyadic coping and closeness (p < 0.05) than “uncomfortable partners” (cluster-2). Three different dyadic profiles emerged: functional, dysfunctional, and ambivalent. Significant variations (p < 0.05) by anxiety, depression, and delegating dyadic coping existed. Results indicate there are groups of couples at greater risk for impaired psychological distress and body image concerns, which should be addressed in the context of dyadic psychosocial interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Ferraris
- Department of Health Psychology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Chiara Acquati
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Health Disparities Research, The UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sara Molgora
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonia Sorge
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Denise Vagnini
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
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11
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Saita E, Lenzo V, Bonanno GA. [Development of the Italian versions of the FREE Scale and the CSI. Theoretical considerations and preliminary analysis.]. Riv Psichiatr 2022; 57:94-100. [PMID: 35426428 DOI: 10.1708/3790.37741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
AIM The Flexible Regulation of Emotional Expression (FREE) Scale assesses the ability to enhance and suppress displayed emotions among a range of hypothetical contexts. The Context Sensitivity Index (CSI) measures the ability to perceive cues to contextual demands across different situations. This study aimed to present the first step of the adaptation and validation to the Italian context of the FREE and the CSI scales. MATERIALS AND METHODS A sample of 120 Italian students took part in this first step. Six focus groups were conducted to explore the Context sensitivity, Emotional Flexibility, and Flexible Regulation of Emotional Expression constructs in the Italian context. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed with T-LAB software and two kinds of analyses were performed. RESULTS Results of the Thematic Analysis of Elementary Contexts showed four clusters: "emotional flexibility", "emotion management", "emotion regulation", and "context sensitivity". Results of Factorial Analysis of Correspondences indicated three factors with the first two factors explaining about 80% of the variance. Factor 1, which opposed "emotional flexibility" and "context sensitivity" at its negative pole; "emotion management" and "emotion regulation" at its positive pole, was named "Cognitive and emotive functions of mind". Factor 2, which opposed "context sensitivity" and "emotion regulation" on the positive pole, "emotional flexibility" and "emotion management" on the negative pole, was named "Elaboration-adaptation as aim of the subject". CONCLUSIONS Preliminary results obtained through a qualitative approach supported the validity of the flexible regulation of emotional expression and the context sensitivity constructs in the Italian context. These results will be tested with a quantitative approach in the next steps of this research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Saita
- Facoltà di Psicologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano
| | - Vittorio Lenzo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Società e della Formazione d'Area Mediterranea, Università per Stranieri "Dante Alighieri", Reggio Calabria
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12
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Molgora S, Saita E, Barbieri Carones M, Ferrazzi E, Facchin F. Predictors of Postpartum Depression among Italian Women: A Longitudinal Study. IJERPH 2022; 19:ijerph19031553. [PMID: 35162574 PMCID: PMC8835615 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Postpartum depression is commonly experienced by mothers worldwide and is associated with anxiety disorders, parenting stress, and other forms of distress, which may lead to a complex illness condition. Several studies have investigated the risk factors for this disorder, including biological and socio-demographic variables, medical and obstetric factors, and psychological and relational dimensions. The present study aimed to describe the psychological status of mothers up to 12 months postpartum, and to investigate the predictors of depressive symptoms at 12 months postpartum, considering obstetric factors along with psychological and relational variables. Methods: A sample of 137 women completed a questionnaire composed of a sheet on anamnestic and obstetric information and the following scales: Wijma Delivery Experience Questionnaire; State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; Parenting Stress Index (Short Form); Dyadic Adjustment Scale; and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Data were collected at four assessment times: 2–3 days, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postpartum. Results: Findings showed that the highest percentage of women with clinically significant symptoms of anxiety (state and trait) and depression was found at 12 months postpartum, which indicated that this was the most critical time. The quality of childbirth experience and trait anxiety at three months postpartum emerged as significant predictors of postpartum depression at 12 months. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of providing stable programs (such as educational programs) to mothers in the first year postpartum. Furthermore, because the quality of the childbirth experience is one of the most important predictors of PPD at 12 months postpartum, effort should be made by healthcare professionals to guarantee a positive experience to all women to reduce possible negative long-term consequences of this experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Molgora
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy; (E.S.); (F.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0272342347; Fax: +39-0272345962
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy; (E.S.); (F.F.)
| | | | - Enrico Ferrazzi
- Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.B.C.); (E.F.)
- Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Facchin
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy; (E.S.); (F.F.)
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13
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Vagnini D, Hou WK, Hougen C, Cano A, Bonanomi A, Facchin F, Molgora S, Pagnini F, Saita E. The impact of COVID-19 perceived threat and restrictive measures on mental health in Italy, Spain, New York, and Hong Kong: An international multisite study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1002936. [PMID: 36405112 PMCID: PMC9667941 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1002936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Italy, Spain, New York, and Hong Kong stood out for the ir high rates of infections. Given this scenario, a web-based international multisite and cross-sectional study was conducted between April and May 2020 to investigate the psychological impact of the pandemic and the restrictions imposed by the governments in these countries. We expected similar patterns in European countries, and no significant differences in terms of psychological impairment between Hong Kong (with a previous experience related to SARS, but subjected to restrictions for a longer time) and the other areas. Participants were 1955 adults from the above-mentioned areas. We assessed anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), COVID-19-related threats, and perceived burden of restrictive measures. Two-explorative factor analyses (EFAs) with Promax rotation identified COVID-19-related factors: personal physical threat, personal economic threat, global economic threat, and restriction-related burden. ANOVAs studied locations' differences and two-separate hierarchical multiple regression analyses by location determined whether and how COVID-19-related variables were associated with anxiety and depression, adjusting for age and sex. Italy and Hong Kong showed higher anxiety than Spain (p < 0.05); Hong Kong scored higher on depression than Italy and Spain (p < 0.001), which highlighted the lowest mean-score. New York participants showed the poorest mental health conditions. Anxiety was predicted by restriction-related burden (βNY = 0.242; βHK = 0.116) and personal economic threat (βNY = 0.246; βHK = 0.145) in New York (Adj.R 2 = 0.125) and Hong Kong (Adj.R 2 = 0.079); by global economic threat (β = 0.199) and restriction-related burden (β = 0.124) in Italy (Adj.R 2 = 0.108); and by personal physical threat (β = 0.144) in Spain (Adj.R 2 = 0.049). Depression was predicted by restriction-related burden (βNY = 0.313; βHK = 0.120) and personal economic threat (βNY = 0.229; βHK = 0.204) in New York (Adj.R 2 = 0.161) and Hong Kong (Adj.R 2 = 0.089); by global economic threat (β = 0.209) in Italy (Adj.R 2 = 0.149); and no predictors emerged in Spain. Findings could contribute to understanding the specific impact of the pandemic on people's psychological health in each area, along with the factors that impacted mental health. This information may be useful to implementing prevention interventions in case of restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Vagnini
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Wai Kai Hou
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Clint Hougen
- Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, United States
| | - Adrián Cano
- Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Andrea Bonanomi
- Department of Statistical Science, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Facchin
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Molgora
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Pagnini
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
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14
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Lenzo V, Sardella A, Musetti A, Freda MF, Lemmo D, Vegni E, Borghi L, Plazzi G, Palagini L, Castelnuovo G, Cattivelli R, Mariani R, Michelini G, Manari T, Saita E, Quattropani MC, Franceschini C. The Relationship Between Resilience and Sleep Quality During the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study. Nat Sci Sleep 2022; 14:41-51. [PMID: 35023980 PMCID: PMC8747773 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s344042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous studies showed poor sleep quality during the first Italian lockdown consequent to the quick spread of the virus. Poor sleep quality remained stable during the so-called "second wave", which started in Autumn 2020. This study aimed to compare sleep quality between the two waves of contagions and to examine the effect of resilience, together with sociodemographic and COVID-related variables, on sleep quality during the second wave. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 648 participated in this longitudinal study through an online survey during the first lockdown consequent to the COVID-19 and during the second wave. The Medical Outcomes Study-Sleep Scale (MOS-SS) and the Resilience Scale (RS) were administered. Sociodemographic and COVID-related information were also collected. RESULTS The results showed sleep quality slightly increased in the second wave, even though with a small effect size. Correlational analysis showed that resilience is inversely correlated with sleep quality measured in the two waves. Sleep quality during the second wave was positively correlated with sleep quality in the first lockdown. Likewise, the results of multiple regression revealed that the sleep quality in the first lockdown and resilience were significant predictors of sleep quality during the second wave. CONCLUSION These findings highlighted that the prevalence of poor sleepers remained high during the second wave. Together with the sleep quality in the first lockdown, resilience represents an important factor related to sleep quality during the second wave. Interventions to improve sleep quality among the general population should take into account these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Lenzo
- Department of Social and Educational Sciences of the Mediterranean Area, University for Foreigners "Dante Alighieri" of Reggio Calabria, Reggio, Calabria, Italy
| | - Alberto Sardella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandro Musetti
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Lemmo
- Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Vegni
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lidia Borghi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Palagini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatric Section, University of Pisa, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana (AUOP), Pisa, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Psychology Research Laboratory, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Verbania, Italy
| | | | - Rachele Mariani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Roma, Italy
| | | | - Tommaso Manari
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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15
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Margherita G, Gargiulo A, Lemmo D, Fante C, Filosa M, Manari T, Lenzo V, Quattropani MC, Vegni E, Borghi L, Castelnuovo G, Cattivelli R, Saita E, Franceschini C, Musetti A. Are we dreaming or are we awake? A quali–quantitative analysis of dream narratives and dreaming process during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dreaming 2021. [DOI: 10.1037/drm0000180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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16
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Scarpelli S, Alfonsi V, Gorgoni M, Musetti A, Filosa M, Quattropani MC, Lenzo V, Vegni E, Borghi L, Margherita G, Freda MF, Saita E, Cattivelli R, Castelnuovo G, Manari T, Plazzi G, De Gennaro L, Franceschini C. Dreams and Nightmares during the First and Second Wave of the COVID-19 Infection: A Longitudinal Study. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11111375. [PMID: 34827374 PMCID: PMC8615577 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11111375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent literature shows that the Coronovirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has provoked significant changes in dreaming. The current study intends to provide an update about dream variable changes during the second wave of COVID-19. A total of 611 participants completed a web survey from December 2020 to January 2021. Statistical comparisons showed that subjects had lower dream-recall frequency, nightmare frequency, lucid-dream frequency, emotional intensity, and nightmare distress during the second than the first wave of the pandemic. Dreams had a higher negative tone during the second than first wave. We revealed significant differences concerning post-traumatic growth, sleep-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and sleep measures between groups obtained as a function of the changes in the oneiric frequency between the first and second waves. We also found significant correlations between qualitative/emotional dream features and COVID-19-related factors (job change, forced quarantine, having COVID-19 infected relatives/friends, or asking for mental health help). Overall, we found that the second wave affected fewer quantitative features of dream activity and there was less emotional intensity. Moreover, we confirmed the relationship between nightmares and the high risk of PTSD when subjects were grouped as a function of the increasing/decreasing frequency. Finally, our findings are partly coherent with the continuity hypothesis between oneiric and waking experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Scarpelli
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.A.); (M.G.); (L.D.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Valentina Alfonsi
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.A.); (M.G.); (L.D.G.)
| | - Maurizio Gorgoni
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.A.); (M.G.); (L.D.G.)
| | - Alessandro Musetti
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy; (A.M.); (T.M.)
| | - Maria Filosa
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (M.F.); (C.F.)
| | - Maria C. Quattropani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Vittorio Lenzo
- Department of Social and Educational Sciences of the Mediterranean Area, “Dante Alighieri” University for Foreigners of Reggio Calabria, 89125 Reggio Calabria, Italy;
| | - Elena Vegni
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20146 Milan, Italy; (E.V.); (L.B.)
| | - Lidia Borghi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20146 Milan, Italy; (E.V.); (L.B.)
| | - Giorgia Margherita
- Department of Humanistic Studies, Federico II University, 80138 Naples, Italy; (G.M.); (M.F.F.)
| | - Maria Francesca Freda
- Department of Humanistic Studies, Federico II University, 80138 Naples, Italy; (G.M.); (M.F.F.)
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy; (E.S.); (R.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Roberto Cattivelli
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy; (E.S.); (R.C.); (G.C.)
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, 28824 Verbania, Italy
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy; (E.S.); (R.C.); (G.C.)
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, 28824 Verbania, Italy
| | - Tommaso Manari
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy; (A.M.); (T.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy;
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Luigi De Gennaro
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.A.); (M.G.); (L.D.G.)
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Franceschini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (M.F.); (C.F.)
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Sorge A, Bassanini F, Zucca J, Saita E. "Fear can hold you, hope can set you free". Analysis of Italian prisoner narrative experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. Int J Prison Health 2021; 17:406-423. [PMID: 34383394 PMCID: PMC8753627 DOI: 10.1108/ijph-07-2020-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to explore the psychological effects of lockdown during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living in an Italian prison. The suspension of family visits and most activities, along with the difficulties in applying social distancing to this vulnerable population was associated with increased psychological distress. Riots broke out over two days in more than 22 prisons across Italy at the beginning of March 2020, highlighting the negative psychological impact of the pandemic and the country's emergency policies. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH The research involves 17 men (Italians and foreigners) detained in a Lombardy prison from 1 March to 4 May 2020, corresponding to the lockdown phase in Italy. The qualitative content analysis (CA) of 27 posts, written by participants during that period and published on the blog "L'Oblò", were analysed. The analysis allowed the identification of topics and subtopics that are related to two major categories of content: cognitions and emotional connotations about the COVID-19 lockdown in prison. FINDINGS Analysis showed that blog post content was predominately negative in terms of emotional connotations. The most frequent coded negative emotional connotations were: missing, worry, psychological pain and fear, whilst the most frequent coded positive emotional connotations were: hope and gratitude for the support they received from prison workers. The rest of the blog content was coded as "cognitions". Cognitions were coded as descriptions of lockdown effect on detention; prison during the COVID-19 emergency; the pandemic situation in general; and comparison between inside and outside prison. ORIGINALITY/VALUE The current study is original as it describes through blog CA the psychological condition of prisoners during the first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in the most affected region in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Sorge
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Bassanini
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Jennifer Zucca
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
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18
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Borghi L, Bonazza F, Lamiani G, Musetti A, Manari T, Filosa M, Quattropani MC, Lenzo V, Freda MF, Lemmo D, Saita E, Cattivelli R, Castelnuovo G, Vegni E, Franceschini C. Dreaming during lockdown: a quali-quantitative analysis of the Italian population dreams during the first COVID-19 pandemic wave. Res Psychother 2021; 24:547. [PMID: 34568113 PMCID: PMC8451213 DOI: 10.4081/ripppo.2021.547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to explore the emotional experiences related to the lockdown during the first pandemic wave, analysing the dreams of the Italian population. Through an online survey spread throughout the country, participants completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), the Resilience Scale (RS) and were asked to narrate a dream they had during the lockdown. The dreams were qualitatively analysed through the thematic content analysis. Logistic regression analyses were then conducted to verify the relationship among the categories that emerged and between these categories and the DASS-21 and RS scores. In the dreams 8 categories were identified (Places, Characters, Relationships, Actions, Danger, Death, Processes, and Emotions) composed of specific sub-categories, which seem to compose a sort of narrative structure of the dream. Some sub-categories were found to be predictor of depression and resilience or with exposure to COVID-19. Dreams can be a valid tool both to understand the experiences of the population during the pandemic and to evaluate those at risk of developing distress in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Borghi
- Psicologia Clinica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano
| | - Federica Bonazza
- Psicologia Clinica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano
| | - Giulia Lamiani
- Psicologia Clinica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano
| | - Alessandro Musetti
- Dipartimento di Discipline Umanistiche, Sociali e delle Imprese culturali, Università di Parma, Parma
| | - Tommaso Manari
- Dipartimento di Discipline Umanistiche, Sociali e delle Imprese culturali, Università di Parma, Parma
| | - Maria Filosa
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Parma, Parma
| | | | - Vittorio Lenzo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Società e della Formazione d’Area Mediterranea, Università per Stranieri ‘Dante Alighieri’ di Reggio Calabria
| | | | - Daniela Lemmo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Umanistiche, Università Federico II, Napoli
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Cattolica di Milano, Milano
| | - Roberto Cattivelli
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Cattolica di Milano, Milano
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Laboratorio di Ricerca Psicologica, Milano, Italy
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Cattolica di Milano, Milano
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Laboratorio di Ricerca Psicologica, Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Vegni
- Psicologia Clinica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano
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19
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Facchin F, Buggio L, Vercellini P, Frassineti A, Beltrami S, Saita E. Quality of intimate relationships, dyadic coping, and psychological health in women with endometriosis: Results from an online survey. J Psychosom Res 2021; 146:110502. [PMID: 33932718 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2021.110502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the associations between intimate relationships, psychological health, and endometriosis-related variables such as pelvic pain and infertility. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, data were collected with an online survey delivered through Qualtrics and posted on the Facebook page and website of a patient association (Associazione Progetto Endometriosi-APE) in August 2020. The survey was composed of a researcher-made questionnaire and four validated questionnaires assessing relational satisfaction (adapted Quality of Marriage Index), dyadic coping (Dyadic Coping Questionnaire), and psychological health (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale). RESULTS Participants were 316 women (age: 35.9 ± 6.7) with endometriosis, who reported being in an intimate relationship from at least one year. A greater perceived negative impact of the disease on past and current intimate relationships was associated with poorer psychological health, lower relational satisfaction and worse dyadic coping. Women who perceived their partner as more informed about endometriosis, more informed about and interested in their health conditions, and more likely to accompany them to the medical appointments, showed greater relational satisfaction and dyadic coping. Relational satisfaction and dyadic coping were associated with psychological health. A greater perceived negative impact of endometriosis on intimate relationships was associated with more severe pelvic pain (especially dyspareunia). CONCLUSION Endometriosis has a negative impact on intimate relationships, which is associated with poorer psychological health. For the women with the disease, partner's support is important, and our findings suggest that effort should be made to involve both members of the couple in multidisciplinary treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Facchin
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy.
| | - Laura Buggio
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca' Granda - Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Paolo Vercellini
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca' Granda - Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Frassineti
- Associazione Progetto Endometriosi - Organizzazione di Volontariato (Endometriosis Project Association - Volunteer Organization), Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Sara Beltrami
- Associazione Progetto Endometriosi - Organizzazione di Volontariato (Endometriosis Project Association - Volunteer Organization), Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy.
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20
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Ripamonti CI, Massa G, Insolvibile D, Guglielmo M, Miccinesi G, Regalia C, Saita E, Pagnini F. Fears, beliefs, and quality of life of patients with cancer vs the general population during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Lombardy. Tumori 2021; 108:431-438. [PMID: 34176373 DOI: 10.1177/03008916211022848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM To understand how patients with cancer reacted to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and whether their quality of life (QoL) was affected. METHODS In June 2020, 111 patients with cancer treated in the supportive care unit of a Comprehensive Cancer Center in Milan and 201 healthy controls from the general population were enrolled and assessed both quantitatively and qualitatively for fears and COVID-19-related beliefs as well as for QoL. RESULTS Fear of COVID-19 was significantly lower among patients (41% vs 57.6%; p = 0.007), as was fear of cancer (61.5% vs 85.6%; p < 0.001) and other diseases. The perceived risk of getting COVID-19 was lower among patients (25.2% vs 52.7%; p < 0.001), as was the belief of having been exposed to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (18.1% vs 40.8%; p < 0.001). The physical component of QoL was better among the population (54.5 vs 43.8; p < 0.001); the reverse was true for patients' psychological well-being (44.6 vs 39.6; p < 0.001). The qualitative data supported such results, showing a reduced psychological effect on the patients with cancer compared to the controls. Various reasons explain this result, including the awareness of being treated for cancer and nevertheless protected against getting infected in a cancer center of public health reorganized to continue treating patients by protecting them and personnel from the risk of infection. CONCLUSIONS The experience of a cancer diagnosis, together with proper hospital reorganization, may act as protective factors from fears and psychological consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ida Ripamonti
- Oncology-Supportive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Oncology & Haematology, Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Giacomo Massa
- Department of Medical Oncology & Haematology, Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Daniela Insolvibile
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Guglielmo
- Oncology-Supportive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Oncology & Haematology, Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Guido Miccinesi
- Clinical Epidemiology, Oncological Network, Prevention and Research Institute (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Camillo Regalia
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Pagnini
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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21
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Zagaria A, Ballesio A, Musetti A, Lenzo V, Quattropani MC, Borghi L, Margherita G, Saita E, Castelnuovo G, Filosa M, Palagini L, Plazzi G, Lombardo C, Franceschini C. Psychometric properties of the Sleep Hygiene Index in a large Italian community sample. Sleep Med 2021; 84:362-367. [PMID: 34247124 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2021.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND Poor sleep hygiene is considered an exacerbating and perpetuating factor of sleep disturbances and is also associated with poor mental health. The Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) is a self-report measure assessing adherence to sleep hygiene practices. The aim of this study was to estimate the psychometric properties of the SHI in an Italian representative sample of the general population, following a formative measurement approach. PATIENTS/METHODS Participants (n = 6276; M = 33.62, SD = 13.45) completed the SHI alongside measures of sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, and stress. To consider the item formative nature, sets of item-composites weighted by means of canonical correlation analysis was created and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was implemented. Factorial invariance tests were computed considering both presence of sleep problems and presence of emotional distress symptoms as grouping variables. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS CFA confirmed the unidimensional structure of SHI. Internal consistency was acceptable (ω = 0.752). Test-retest reliability at 8-10 months presented an ICC of 0.666. SHI significantly correlated with sleep, depression, anxiety and stress symptoms (r range from 0.358 to 0.500). Configural and metric invariance were reached for both grouping variables. Partial scalar invariance was obtained only across emotional distress groups. People with emotional symptoms reported higher latent means on the sleep hygiene dimension. Findings support the validity and reliability of the Italian version of the SHI. Importantly, the SHI showed robust psychometric properties both in healthy individuals and in individual reporting mental health symptoms. Thus, it is advisable to use this version of the SHI in both research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Zagaria
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Ballesio
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Musetti
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Vittorio Lenzo
- Department of Social and Educational Sciences of the Mediterranean Area, University for Foreigners "Dante Alighieri", Italy
| | - Maria C Quattropani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Lidia Borghi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | | | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Italy; Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Filosa
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Palagini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatric Section, University of Pisa, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana (AOUP), Italy
| | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Italy
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22
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Facchin F, Scarfone G, Tamanza G, Ravani S, Francini F, Peccatori FA, Di Loreto E, Dell'Acqua A, Saita E. "Lights and Shadows": An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Lived Experience of Being Diagnosed With Breast Cancer During Pregnancy. Front Psychol 2021; 12:620353. [PMID: 33868088 PMCID: PMC8049111 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.620353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer diagnosed during pregnancy is a rare event. The most common type of malignancy diagnosed in pregnant women is breast cancer, whose incidence is expected to raise in the next future due to delayed childbirth, as well as to the increased occurrence of the disease at young age. Pregnant women diagnosed with breast cancer are exposed to multiple sources of stress, which may lead to poorer obstetric outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. In addition, pregnancy involves physiological changes in the breasts that may blur the signs of cancer, with delayed diagnosis and poor prognosis. However, the lived experience of these women was investigated in very few studies. Given this scenario, we conducted this qualitative study to describe and understand women’s subjective experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy. The study was conducted following the principles of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Participants were five women with breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy, purposefully recruited at a public hospital during medical visits and interviewed at treatment initiation. The interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. The textual analysis led to the identification of three main themes related to: (1) the emotional storm experienced after cancer diagnosis, and the importance of receiving appropriate information and being focused on treatment decisions; (2) physical changes and comparisons with healthy women, associated with feelings of sadness and inadequacy; (3) being positive, feeling free to disclose all kinds of emotions, religion and spirituality as sources of strength. The paradoxical coexistence of pregnancy and cancer represents a stressful experience for women and their loved ones. Adopting a systemic perspective may be important to understand the effects of such a complex condition, also considering its impact on healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Facchin
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Scarfone
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Tamanza
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Ravani
- Faculty of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Francini
- Faculty of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Fedro Alessandro Peccatori
- Fertility and Procreation Unit, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Eugenia Di Loreto
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Dell'Acqua
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
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23
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Musetti A, Franceschini C, Pingani L, Freda MF, Saita E, Vegni E, Zenesini C, Quattropani MC, Lenzo V, Margherita G, Lemmo D, Corsano P, Borghi L, Cattivelli R, Plazzi G, Castelnuovo G, Somer E, Schimmenti A. Maladaptive Daydreaming in an Adult Italian Population During the COVID-19 Lockdown. Front Psychol 2021; 12:631979. [PMID: 33841264 PMCID: PMC8024516 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.631979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 outbreak, individuals with or without mental disorders may resort to dysfunctional psychological strategies that could trigger or heighten their emotional distress. The current study aims to explore the links between maladaptive daydreaming (MD, i.e., a compulsive fantasy activity associated with distress and psychological impairment), psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, and negative stress, and COVID-19-related variables, such as changes in face-to-face and online relationships, during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy. A total of 6,277 Italian adults completed an online survey, including socio-demographic variables, COVID-19 related information, the 16-item Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale (MDS-16), and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales-21 Items (DASS-21). Based on an empirically derived cut-off score, 1,082 participants (17.2%) were identified as probable maladaptive daydreamers (MDers). A binary logistic regression revealed that compared to controls, probable MDers reported that during the COVID-19 lockdown they experienced higher levels of anxiety and depression, decreased online social relationships, and, surprisingly, stable or increased face-to-face social relationships. Given the peculiar characteristics of the pandemic context, these findings suggest that the exposure to the risk of contagion had probably exacerbated the tendency of probable MDers to lock themselves inside their mental fantasy worlds, which in turn may have contributed to further estrangement from online social relationships and support, thus worsening their emotional distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Musetti
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Luca Pingani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Vegni
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Corrado Zenesini
- IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna (ISNB), Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Vittorio Lenzo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Società e della Formazione d'Area Mediterranea, Università per Stranieri Dante Alighieri, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Giorgia Margherita
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Lemmo
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Corsano
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Lidia Borghi
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Cattivelli
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Psychology Research Laboratory, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna (ISNB), Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Psychology Research Laboratory, Milan, Italy
| | - Eli Somer
- Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, School of Social Work, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Adriano Schimmenti
- Faculty of Human and Society Sciences, Kore University of Enna, Enna, Italy
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24
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Saita E, Facchin F, Pagnini F, Molgora S. In the Eye of the Covid-19 Storm: A Web-Based Survey of Psychological Distress Among People Living in Lombardy. Front Psychol 2021; 12:566753. [PMID: 33716846 PMCID: PMC7943880 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.566753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In March 2020, the World Health Organization announced the Covid-19 outbreak a pandemic and restrictive measures were enacted by the Governments to fight the spread of the virus. In Italy, these measures included a nationwide lockdown, with limited exceptions including grocery shopping, certain work activities, and healthcare. Consistently with findings from previous studies investigating the psychological impact of similar pandemics [e.g., Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)], there is evidence that Covid-19 is associated with negative mental health outcomes. Given this background, we conducted a cross-sectional study aimed at investigating the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent restrictive measures imposed by the Government on the psychological health of Italian men and women aged = 18 years and living in Lombardy, one of the worst-hit regions. The study also aimed at identifying what factors are associated with specific psychological outcomes. Thus, we developed an online survey that included a researcher-made questionnaire to collect sociodemographic, household, general health, and pandemic-related information. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Perceived Stress Scale were used to assess anxiety, depression, and perceived stress, respectively. We found that younger age, greater concerns about the pandemic, female gender, being unmarried, not having children, and being a student were associated with worse psychological health. These findings may provide further insight into the risk factors associated with negative psychological outcomes during the current pandemic, with identification of vulnerable groups. This body of evidence may help professionals implement targeted psychosocial treatment and prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Facchin
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Pagnini
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Molgora
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
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25
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Scarpelli S, Alfonsi V, Mangiaruga A, Musetti A, Quattropani MC, Lenzo V, Freda MF, Lemmo D, Vegni E, Borghi L, Saita E, Cattivelli R, Castelnuovo G, Plazzi G, De Gennaro L, Franceschini C. Pandemic nightmares: Effects on dream activity of the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy. J Sleep Res 2021; 30:e13300. [PMID: 33547703 PMCID: PMC7994972 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
COVID‐19 has critically impacted the world. Recent works have found substantial changes in sleep and mental health during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Dreams could give us crucial information about people's well‐being, so here we have directly investigated the consequences of lockdown on the oneiric activity in a large Italian sample: 5,988 adults completed a web‐survey during lockdown. We investigated sociodemographic and COVID‐19‐related information, sleep quality (by the Medical Outcomes Study‐Sleep Scale), mental health (by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales), dream and nightmare frequency, and related emotional aspects (by the Mannheim Dream Questionnaire). Comparisons between our sample and a population‐based sample revealed that Italians are having more frequent nightmares and dreams during the pandemic. A multiple logistic regression model showed the predictors of high dream recall (young age, female gender, not having children, sleep duration) and high nightmare frequency (young age, female gender, modification of napping, sleep duration, intrasleep wakefulness, sleep problem index, anxiety, depression). Moreover, we found higher emotional features of dream activity in workers who have stopped working, in people who have relatives/friends infected by or who have died from COVID‐19 and in subjects who have changed their sleep habits. Our findings point to the fact that the predictors of high dream recall and nightmares are consistent with the continuity between sleep mentation and daily experiences. According to the arousal‐retrieval model, we found that poor sleep predicts a high nightmare frequency. We suggest monitoring dream changes during the epidemic, and also considering the implications for clinical treatment and prevention of mental and sleep disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Scarpelli
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Anastasia Mangiaruga
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Musetti
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Vittorio Lenzo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Lemmo
- Department of Humanistic Studies, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Vegni
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lidia Borghi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Cattivelli
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Verbania, Italy
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Verbania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Luigi De Gennaro
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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26
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Franceschini C, Musetti A, Zenesini C, Palagini L, Scarpelli S, Quattropani MC, Lenzo V, Freda MF, Lemmo D, Vegni E, Borghi L, Saita E, Cattivelli R, De Gennaro L, Plazzi G, Riemann D, Castelnuovo G. Poor Sleep Quality and Its Consequences on Mental Health During the COVID-19 Lockdown in Italy. Front Psychol 2020; 11:574475. [PMID: 33304294 PMCID: PMC7693628 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.574475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) seriously affected the whole of Italy. The extreme virulence and the speed of propagation resulted in restrictions and home confinement. This change was immediately perceived by people who found themselves exposed to feelings of uncertainty, fear, anger, stress, and a drastic change in the diurnal but above all nocturnal lifestyle. For these reasons, we aimed to study the quality of sleep and its connection to distress levels and to evaluate how lifestyle changed in the Italian population during the lockdown. Methods By means of an Internet survey we recruited 6,519 adults during the whole of the COVID-19 lockdown (from March 10–1st phase to May 4–2nd phase). We investigated the sociodemographic and COVID-19-related information and assessed sleep quality using the Medical Outcomes Study–sleep scale (MOS-SS) and mental health with the short form of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales–21 Items (DASS-21). Multiple logistic regression model was used to evaluate the multivariate association between the dependent variable (good sleeper vs. poor sleeper) and all the variables that were significant in the univariate analysis. Results A total of 3,562 (55.32%) participants reported poor sleep quality according to the MOS-Sleep Index II score. The multiple binary logistic regression results of poor sleepers revealed several risk factors during the outbreak restrictions: female gender, living in Central Italy, having someone close who died because of COVID-19, markedly changed sleep–wake rhythms characterized by earlier or postponed habitual bedtime, earlier habitual awakening time and reduced number of afternoon naps, and extremely severe levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Conclusion This is the first study designed to understand sleep quality and sleep habits during the whole of the lockdown period in the Italian population that provides more than 6,000 participants in a survey developed specifically for the health emergency related to COVID-19. Our study found that more than half of the Italian population had impaired sleep quality and sleep habits due to elevated psychological distress during the COVID-19 lockdown containment measures. A multidisciplinary action should be undertaken in order to plan appropriate responses to the current crisis caused by the lockdown for the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandro Musetti
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Corrado Zenesini
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Palagini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatric Section, University of Pisa, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana (AOUP), Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Vittorio Lenzo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Lemmo
- Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Vegni
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lidia Borghi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Cattivelli
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Psychology Research Laboratory, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Verbania, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Dieter Riemann
- Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Psychology Research Laboratory, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Verbania, Italy
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27
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Lenzo V, Quattropani MC, Musetti A, Zenesini C, Freda MF, Lemmo D, Vegni E, Borghi L, Plazzi G, Castelnuovo G, Cattivelli R, Saita E, Franceschini C. Resilience Contributes to Low Emotional Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak Among the General Population in Italy. Front Psychol 2020; 11:576485. [PMID: 33250818 PMCID: PMC7672208 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.576485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 outbreak is severely affecting the overall mental health with unknown psychological consequences. Although a strong psychological impact is possible, scant evidence is available to date. Past studies have shown that resilience decreases the negative effects of stress. This study aimed to examine depression, anxiety, and stress among the Italian general population during the phase characterized by lockdown, and to investigate the role of resilience as a potential predictor. METHODS A total sample of 6,314 Italian people participated in this study. Participants were recruited between March 29 and May 04 2020 through an online survey. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) and the Resilience Scale (RS) were administered. Demographic data and lockdown related information were also collected. A correlational analysis was carried out to examine relationships between psychopathological domains and resilience. Three hierarchical regression analyses were conducted using the depression, anxiety, and stress as dependent variables and the resilience as independent variable controlling for age, gender, and education. COVID-19 specific variables were also included in the three regression analyses. A further exploratory analysis was carried out to examine which aspects of resilience predict depression, anxiety, and stress. RESULTS The prevalence of moderate to extremely severe symptoms among participants was 32% for depression, 24.4% for anxiety, and 31.7% for stress. The sample mean scores on depression, anxiety, and stress were higher than the normal scores reported in the literature. Results of correlational analysis showed that resilience factors, such as meaningfulness, self-reliance, existential aloneness, and equanimity, are inversely associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Results of regression analyses indicated that resilience was statically significant in predicting depression, anxiety, and stress. Geographic area of residence and infected acquaintances were also significant predictors. Regarding the resilience factors, results revealed that meaningfulness, perseverance, and equanimity were statistically significant in predicting all the DASS-21 scales. CONCLUSION About a third of respondents reported moderate to extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress. The present study suggests that psychological resilience may independently contribute to low emotional distress and psychological ill-being. These findings can help explain the variability of individual responses during the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Lenzo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria C. Quattropani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandro Musetti
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Corrado Zenesini
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Lemmo
- Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Vegni
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lidia Borghi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Psychology Research Laboratory, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Verbania, Italy
| | - Roberto Cattivelli
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Psychology Research Laboratory, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Verbania, Italy
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Molgora S, Baldini MP, Tamanza G, Somigliana E, Saita E. Individual and Relational Well-Being at the Start of an ART Treatment: A Focus on Partners' Gender Differences. Front Psychol 2020; 11:2027. [PMID: 33117204 PMCID: PMC7549400 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility and ART treatments represent stressful experiences for the couples, impacting on the overall psychological well-being of partners as well as on their couple adjustment. Several variables were analyzed as risk factors for infertility-related distress. The impact of these experiences has been well-documented in both women and men, reporting important gender differences. The aim of this study was to assess gender differences in individual and relational well-being in infertile couples. Gender differences for psychological and medical variables predicting psychological distress were investigated. Two hundred and thirty couples who entered an ART program at a public hospital in Milan were recruited. Each partner completed the following scales: ScreenIVF, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, and Experience in Close Relationship Questionnaire. Findings revealed several gender differences with women reporting higher levels of both anxiety and depressive symptoms, anxiety and avoidance attachment, and helplessness, but lower levels of acceptance than men. Differences emerged also in factors predicting well-being: poor support predicted anxiety in men and depression in women. Furthermore, individual well-being was predicted only for men by attachment anxiety and previous treatment. Finally, in the women subsample, couple’s adjustment was predicted by anxiety attachment, while in men predictors were helplessness and type of diagnosis. These results suggest the importance of implementing support interventions for couples which take into consideration the specific needs and fragility of each partner as well as focusing on enhancing a sense of partnership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Molgora
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Baldini
- IRCCS Ca'Granda Foundation Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
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Facchin F, Buggio L, Saita E. Partners' perspective in endometriosis research and treatment: A systematic review of qualitative and quantitative evidence. J Psychosom Res 2020; 137:110213. [PMID: 32781264 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.110213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize the available qualitative and quantitative evidence regarding the impact of endometriosis on women's partners. METHODS A systematic electronic search of PubMed and PsycINFO was conducted. All the available evidence regarding partners' psychological condition, quality of life, social and intimate relationships, and sexuality was included, and a narrative synthesis of the findings was provided. RESULTS Of 127 studies retrieved through electronic search, only 5 (3 qualitative/semi-qualitative and 2 quantitative studies) matched the inclusion criteria and were included in our review. In total, participants were 399 male partners. Endometriosis negatively affects partners' psychological wellbeing and quality of life, with significant individual differences. Partners of women with endometriosis may experience isolation and lack of engagement in treatment decision-making. Partners also experience the economic burden of the disease, with negative consequences on work functioning and daily life. Sexuality is also negatively affected, although with contradictory findings. Positive aspects of personal and relationship growth were also reported. CONCLUSION Endometriosis is an important cause of physical and psychological pain for women, but it may also have a negative impact on their partners. Although the effects of other chronic diseases on partners and caregivers have been largely explored, the small number of articles included in this review indicates that this topic remains understudied in endometriosis research. Endometriosis should be investigated and managed within a systemic framework, with a specific focus on the complex dynamic interaction between individual, relational, sociocultural and environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Facchin
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy.
| | - Laura Buggio
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca' Granda - Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
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Pagnini F, Bonanomi A, Tagliabue S, Balconi M, Bertolotti M, Confalonieri E, Di Dio C, Gilli G, Graffigna G, Regalia C, Saita E, Villani D. Knowledge, Concerns, and Behaviors of Individuals During the First Week of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Italy. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e2015821. [PMID: 32706385 PMCID: PMC7382000 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.15821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE At the beginning of a public health crisis, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it is important to collect information about people's knowledge, worries, and behaviors to examine their influence on quality of life and to understand individual characteristics associated with these reactions. Such information could help to guide health authorities in providing informed interventions and clear communications. OBJECTIVES To document the initial knowledge about COVID-19 and recommended health behaviors; to assess worries (ie, one's perception of the influence of the worries of others on oneself), social appraisal, and preventive behaviors, comparing respondents from areas under different movement restrictions during the first week after the outbreak; and to understand how worries, perceived risk, and preventive behaviors were associated with quality of life and individual characteristics among Italian adults. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This convenience sample, nonprobablistic survey study recruited adult participants with a snowballing sampling method in any Italian region during the first week of the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy from February 26, 2020, to March 4, 2020. Data were analyzed from March 5 to 12, 2020. EXPOSURES Information was collected from citizens living in the quarantine zone (ie, red zone), area with restricted movements (ie, yellow zone), and COVID-19-free regions (ie, green zone). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Levels of knowledge on the virus, contagion-related worries, social appraisal, and preventive behaviors were assessed with ratings of quality of life (measured using the Short Form Health Survey). Additionally, some individual characteristics that may be associated with worries and behaviors were assessed, including demographic characteristics, personality traits (measured using Big Five Inventory-10), perceived health control (measured using the internal control measure in the Health Locus of Control scale), optimism (measured using the Revised Life Orientation Test), and the need for cognitive closure (measured using the Need for Closure Scale). RESULTS A total of 3109 individuals accessed the online questionnaire, and 2886 individuals responded to the questionnaire at least partially (mean [SD] age, 30.7 [13.2] years; 2203 [76.3%] women). Most participants were well informed about the virus characteristics and suggested behaviors, with a mean (SD) score of 77.4% (17.3%) correct answers. Quality of life was similar across the 3 zones (effect size = 0.02), but mental health was negatively associated with contagion-related worries (β = -0.066), social appraisal (β = -0.221), and preventive behaviors (β = -0.066) in the yellow zone (R2 = 0.108). Social appraisal was also associated with reduced psychological well-being in the green zone (β = -0.205; R2 = 0.121). In the yellow zone, higher worries were negatively correlated with emotional stability (β = -0.165; R2 = 0.047). Emotional stability was also negatively associated with perceived susceptibility in the yellow (β = -0.108; R2 = 0.040) and green (β = -0.170; R2 = 0.087) zones. Preventative behaviors and social appraisal were also associated with the need for cognitive closure in both yellow (preventive behavior: β = 0.110; R2 = 0.023; social appraisal β = 0.115; R2 = 0.104) and green (preventive behavior: β = 0.174; R2 = 0.022; social appraisal: 0.261; R2 = 0.137) zones. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings suggest that during the first week of the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy, people were well informed and had a relatively stable level of worries. Quality of life did not vary across the areas, although mental well-being was challenged by the social appraisal and worries related to the contagion. Increased scores for worries and concerns were associated with more cognitive rigidity and emotional instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pagnini
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Andrea Bonanomi
- Department of Statistical Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy"
| | - Semira Tagliabue
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Balconi
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Bertolotti
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Cinzia Di Dio
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Gilli
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Guendalina Graffigna
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
- EngageMinds HUB, Consumer, Food & Health Engagement Research Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Camillo Regalia
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Villani
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
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Molgora S, Fenaroli V, Saita E. Psychological distress profiles in expectant mothers: What is the association with pregnancy-related and relational variables? J Affect Disord 2020; 262:83-89. [PMID: 31715390 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research has progressively focused on antenatal psychological disease of expectant mothers, showing that anxiety and depression as well as fear of childbirth occur frequently during pregnancy. Some studies have investigated the connection between anxiety, depression, and fear of childbirth with contrasting results. Several authors have analyzed the association between psychological disease of pregnant women and numerous medical-obstetric and relational variables, still reporting inconclusive findings. The present study had three aims: 1) to investigate the psychological well-being of pregnant women based on their levels of anxiety, depression, and fear of childbirth, by identifying psychological profiles; (2) to analyze the association between the emergent psychological profiles and some medical-obstetric variables related to pregnancy; and (3) to examine the association between these profiles and couple's adjustment and social support. METHODS 410 Italian primiparous pregnant women in the 7th-8th month of pregnancy completed a questionnaire packet on site that included the following scales: Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. RESULTS Findings revealed the presence of three different clusters: "psychologically healthy women" (34.9%), comprised of women characterized by low levels of symptoms on all the scales; "women experiencing pregnancy- and childbirth-related anxiety" (47.3%), which groups women with an average state anxiety over the clinical value; and "psychologically distressed women" (17.8%), comprised of women who reported high levels of symptoms on all the scales, some above the clinical cut-offs. These profiles were not related to the medical-obstetric variables. On the other hand, findings revealed a significant association between marital adjustment as well as social support and cluster membership. DISCUSSION These results support the importance of early and multilevel psychological screening in order to understand the experience of pregnant women and to develop targeted and increasingly personalized interventions.
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Saita E, Acquati C. Evaluating the Framed Portrait Experience as an Intervention to Enhance Self-Efficacy and Self-Esteem in a Sample of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: Results of a Pilot Study. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2019; 9:111-114. [PMID: 31742467 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2019.0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer diagnosis and treatments negatively affect quality of life and developmental processes of adolescents and young adults (AYAs), with self-esteem, self-efficacy, and body image discomfort reported. Despite increasing awareness of the psychosocial issues experienced by this group, a paucity of psychosocial interventions has been developed. This study aims to investigate the Framed Portrait Experience (FPE) as an intervention to promote well-being among AYA cancer survivors. A pilot study was conducted using a quasi-experimental design. The sample included 18 AYA leukemia survivors. Individuals in the intervention group (n = 10) participated in the FPE, a psychosocial program consisting of two sessions. In the first one, starting from the illness narrative recollected by the individual, pictures representing the subject in meaningful contexts are taken. Then, a selected number of pictures are used in a second encounter with a therapist to integrate the disease within past, present, and future of the participant. Survivors in the comparison group (n = 8) were offered usual psychosocial care at the participating institute. Measures of personality traits, coping, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and body image were compared at pre-test and 3 months later. Significant differences in self-efficacy and self-esteem scores were identified at post-test between the intervention and comparison group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were identified for body self-esteem. These findings provide initial evidence supporting the FPE as a low-cost and easy-to-implement intervention to promote self-efficacy and self-esteem among AYA survivors. Further research with larger samples, with more rigorous designs, and different cancer types is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Acquati
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
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Fenaroli V, Molgora S, Dodaro S, Svelato A, Gesi L, Molidoro G, Saita E, Ragusa A. The childbirth experience: obstetric and psychological predictors in Italian primiparous women. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2019; 19:419. [PMID: 31730468 PMCID: PMC6858642 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-019-2561-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The experience of childbirth crucially impacts a mother's psychological well-being and the mother-infant relationship. It is recognised that negative births can be linked to different forms of discomfort, both for the mother as well as for the infant. This prospective longitudinal study aimed to study the effect of obstetric and psychological variables on women's subjective experience of childbirth. METHODS 111 primiparous Italian women completed a set of questionnaires at 38-40 weeks of pregnancy (Time 1) and 1-5 days after childbirth (Time 2). Sociodemographic and obstetric information were collected. Data about the childbirth were obtained from the mother's ward birth records. Women completed the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire both before and after childbirth. RESULTS The subjective experience of birth was significantly predicted by the duration of the expulsive phase (β = .26; p < .05), the use of epidural analgesia (β = .21; p< .05) and by fear of birth (β = .21; p < .05). The effect of mode of birth and duration of the dilatation phase on women's birth experience was not found. CONCLUSIONS In our study, neither instrumental childbirth nor caesarean section have a significant effect on women's birth experience. Instead, both a longer expulsion phase and epidural analgesia contribute to the negative experience. Moreover, the higher the fear of birth, the worse the women's emotional experience. These findings confirmed the role of obstetric and psychological variables on birth experience. More investigation about this topic could be useful to develop specific interventions to prepare women for birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Fenaroli
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Cacro Cuore, Largo Gemelli 1, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Molgora
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Cacro Cuore, Largo Gemelli 1, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Dodaro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Giovanni Calibita Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Tiber Island, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Svelato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Giovanni Calibita Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Tiber Island, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Gesi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Giovanni Calibita Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Tiber Island, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Molidoro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Giovanni Calibita Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Tiber Island, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Cacro Cuore, Largo Gemelli 1, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Ragusa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Giovanni Calibita Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Tiber Island, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the use of a phototherapeutic technique called "Talking Pictures" within the forensic setting. This approach involves the use of a set of photographs to facilitate clients' disclosure, self-growth and promote the development of positive self-narratives. The use of art therapies and the construction of adaptive identity narratives have been proven to support desistance and increase resocialization in the prison population. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH A 42-year-old Italian male offender was met for six therapy sessions and invited to talk about his past, present and future through the use of photographs. Session transcripts were analysed using the software for linguistic analysis T-LAB. FINDINGS Results show a progression in the language used during the sessions: in the beginning the client uses a denotative language with many concrete nouns and no emotional words, in subsequent sessions his speech begins to assume more symbolic connotations and emotional words are used to describe past traumas as well as to find new meanings to present events. Moreover, the fixity of the client's self-image is contrasted with the emergence of new sides to his personality encompassing agency and self-worth. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS The study is based on a single case, therefore results cannot be generalised to the prison population; moreover, the absence of any follow-up and standardized measurements of the client's progression should be addressed by future research by both involving larger samples and including follow-up and quantitative measures of the study results. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS The paper provides details on an innovative technique that might be used to explore the offenders' goods and values and to develop truly redemptive rehabilitation programmes. ORIGINALITY/VALUE This paper adds to the scant literature on phototherapy in prisons and connects it with a reflection on desistance indicating that phototherapeutic interventions might be used to promote positive self-narratives, thus increasing desistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Saita
- Faculty of Psychology, Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Accordini
- Faculty of Psychology, Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Milan, Italy
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Molgora S, Fenaroli V, Cracolici E, Saita E. Antenatal fear of childbirth and emergency cesarean section delivery: a systematic narrative review. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2019; 38:436-454. [PMID: 31271306 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2019.1636216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fear of childbirth is a common feeling among expectant mothers. Although it represents a physiological expression of women's concerns, it can become a clinical condition compromising the woman's daily activities as well as her coping strategies during labour and delivery. Research has focused on adverse intrapartum and postpartum outcomes of fear of childbirth. As regards intrapartum outcomes, some studies have investigated the association between fear of childbirth and type of delivery, with contrasting results. OBJECTIVE This study aimed at reviewing the literature on the association between fear of childbirth and emergency caesarean section delivery. METHOD This systematic review was based on an electronic search of English-language published studies through 31 December 2018. Following the search process, 14 studies were included. Studies were analysed specifically considering the sample parity and tools for evaluating fears. RESULTS These studies revealed that both sample characteristics and assessment instruments are not criteria for explaining the different result. CONCLUSIONS The importance of distinguishing between fear and severe fear was highlighted because the effect of fear on the type of delivery was present only for clinical fear. However, the different cut-off values did not make it possible to reach a clear result, making further investigation necessary. ABBREVIATIONS FOC - Fear of Childbirth; ECS - Emergency Cesarean Section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Molgora
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart , Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Fenaroli
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart , Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Cracolici
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart , Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart , Milan, Italy
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Molgora S, Fenaroli V, Saita E. The association between childbirth experience and mother's parenting stress: The mediating role of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Women Health 2019; 60:341-351. [PMID: 31264529 DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2019.1635563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Childbirth is one of the most significant experiences in women's lives. A bad experience could lead to psychological distress, including severe disease. This experience has a significant impact not only on the mother's well-being, but also on her first interactions with the baby. The present study thus had two aims: 1) investigate the association between the childbirth experience and parenting stress; and 2) analyze if this relation can be mediated by the woman's psychological well-being (anxiety and depressive symptoms). One hundred fifty-eight Italian primiparous women, with a single pregnancy, recruited between January 2016 and December 2016, completed three months after delivery the following scales: Wijma Delivery Experience Questionnaire; State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Parenting Stress Index (Short Form). Data were analyzed through path analyses. Results revealed that the birth experience was not directly associated with parenting stress. The final model confirmed that the childbirth experience was related to parenting stress through the full mediation of anxiety and depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of making mothers' childbirth experience as positive as possible, considering the crucial impact of this experience not only on their global functioning but also on their first relationships with the baby.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Molgora
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Italy
| | | | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Italy
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Molgora S, Fenaroli V, Acquati C, De Donno A, Baldini MP, Saita E. Examining the Role of Dyadic Coping on the Marital Adjustment of Couples Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Front Psychol 2019; 10:415. [PMID: 30906270 PMCID: PMC6418016 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A couple is considered to be infertile if unable to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. An extended body of literature supports that infertility and infertility treatments contribute to emotional, social, sexual, and relational issues that can have a negative impact on each partner's well-being and on the couple relationship. Recent findings suggest that a dyadic approach should be used when working with couples coping with these stressors. However, most research to date has focused on the association between infertility and individual's psychological outcomes, rather than on the experience of infertility-related stress and coping from a relational perspective. Consequently, assuming that infertility is a dyadic stressor and that the ability of the partners to cope with this experience is the result of both individual and relational coping strategies, this study aimed to investigate dyadic coping and marital adjustment among couples at the beginning of an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment. A sample of 167 heterosexual couples (N = 334) undergoing ART treatment at the fertility clinic of a large hospital in Milan from January to December 2017 was recruited. Each participant completed self-reported questionnaires examining marital adjustment (Dyadic Adjustment Scale) and dyadic coping (Dyadic Coping Questionnaire). Demographics and clinical variables were also collected. Data were analyzed using the Actor Partner Interdependence Model (APIM), testing the effect of each partner's dyadic coping style on their own and their partner's marital adjustment. Results revealed that both women and partners' scores on positive dyadic coping styles (common, emotion-focused, problem-focused, and delegated dyadic coping) contributed to higher marital adjustment. This result suggests that couples unable to engage in this type of reciprocal supportive behaviors and those unsatisfied with their coping efforts may be more vulnerable while undergoing ART treatments. Furthermore, findings highlighted some gender differences for stress communication and negative dyadic coping suggesting the presence of specific dynamics within couples facing an ART treatment. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Molgora
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Hearth, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Fenaroli
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Hearth, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Acquati
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Arianna De Donno
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Hearth, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Baldini
- IRCCS Ca 'Granda Foundation Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Hearth, Milan, Italy
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Facchin F, Buggio L, Ottolini F, Barbara G, Saita E, Vercellini P. Preliminary insights on the relation between endometriosis, pelvic pain, and employment. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2018; 84:190-195. [PMID: 30380545 DOI: 10.1159/000494254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The economic burden of endometriosis and pelvic pain involves direct and indirect healthcare costs due to work loss and decreased productivity. However, the relation between endometriosis, pelvic pain, and employment remains underinvestigated. This study aimed at providing preliminary insights into this topic. METHODS We compared the employment status (having vs. not having a job) in 298 consecutive endometriosis patients and in 332 women without a history of endometriosis (control group). We also examined the association between pelvic pain and employment status. RESULTS Women with endometriosis were less likely to be employed compared to women without endometriosis (OR 0.508; 95% CI 0.284-0.908; p = 0.022). Women with symptomatic endometriosis were less likely to be employed relative to controls (OR 0.345; 95% CI 0.184-0.650; p = 0.001), as well as to asymptomatic endometriosis patients (OR 0.362; 95% CI 0.167-0.785; p = 0.01). No significant differences emerged between asymptomatic endometriosis and the control group (p > 0.05). Greater severity of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, and dyschezia was found in unemployed endometriosis patients (vs. employed endometriosis participants). CONCLUSION Endometriosis symptoms may significantly affect women's professional life, with important socioeconomic, legal, and political implications. Community-based participatory research is encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Buggio
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi, and Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Ottolini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi, and Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giussy Barbara
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi, and Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Faculty of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Vercellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi, and Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Saita
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano, Milan, Italy
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Saita E, Tramontano M. Navigating the complexity of the therapeutic and clinical use of photography in psychosocial settings: a review of the literature. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 21:293. [PMID: 32913757 PMCID: PMC7451378 DOI: 10.4081/ripppo.2018.293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In contrast with the recent increase in the use of photography as a therapeutic tool in psychological settings, lack of clarity exists regarding this intervention modality. While the distinction among Photo Therapy, Therapeutic Photography, and Photo Art Therapy is theoretically established we examined whether this classification is confirmed also in practice. Electronic databases (PsychINFO, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Social Sciences Abstracts-EBSCO) were systematically searched for studies published in the last fifteen years utilizing photographic techniques as the elective method of intervention. A total of 124 articles were identified, of which 21 met the inclusion criteria. Results indicate that photography has been used in health, clinical, social, and community settings. Photovoice, Photographic Self-Portrait, and Photo Presentation are the methods most commonly implemented. Several contributions could be placed in more than one of the above-mentioned models of intervention; suggesting that the criteria to assign articles to each model are difficult to apply when the models are put into practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Hearth, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Tramontano
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Hearth, Milan, Italy
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Molgora S, Fenaroli V, Prino LE, Rollè L, Sechi C, Trovato A, Vismara L, Volpi B, Brustia P, Lucarelli L, Tambelli R, Saita E. Fear of childbirth in primiparous Italian pregnant women: The role of anxiety, depression, and couple adjustment. Women Birth 2018; 31:117-123. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2017.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Molgora S, Acquati C, Fenaroli V, Saita E. Dyadic coping and marital adjustment during pregnancy: A cross‐sectional study of Italian couples expecting their first child. Int J Psychol 2018; 54:277-285. [DOI: 10.1002/ijop.12476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Molgora
- Department of PsychologyCatholic University of Milan Milan Italy
| | - Chiara Acquati
- Graduate College of Social WorkUniversity of Houston Houston Texas USA
| | | | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of PsychologyCatholic University of Milan Milan Italy
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Facchin F, Barbara G, Dridi D, Alberico D, Buggio L, Somigliana E, Saita E, Vercellini P. Mental health in women with endometriosis: searching for predictors of psychological distress. Hum Reprod 2017; 32:1855-1861. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Rollè L, Prino LE, Sechi C, Vismara L, Neri E, Polizzi C, Trovato A, Volpi B, Molgora S, Fenaroli V, Ierardi E, Ferro V, Lucarelli L, Agostini F, Tambelli R, Saita E, Riva Crugnola C, Brustia P. Parenting Stress, Mental Health, Dyadic Adjustment: A Structural Equation Model. Front Psychol 2017; 8:839. [PMID: 28588541 PMCID: PMC5441134 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: In the 1st year of the post-partum period, parenting stress, mental health, and dyadic adjustment are important for the wellbeing of both parents and the child. However, there are few studies that analyze the relationship among these three dimensions. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between parenting stress, mental health (depressive and anxiety symptoms), and dyadic adjustment among first-time parents. Method: We studied 268 parents (134 couples) of healthy babies. At 12 months post-partum, both parents filled out, in a counterbalanced order, the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form, the Edinburgh Post-natal Depression Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the potential mediating effects of mental health on the relationship between parenting stress and dyadic adjustment. Results: Results showed the full mediation effect of mental health between parenting stress and dyadic adjustment. A multi-group analysis further found that the paths did not differ across mothers and fathers. Discussion: The results suggest that mental health is an important dimension that mediates the relationship between parenting stress and dyadic adjustment in the transition to parenthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Rollè
- Department of Psychology, University of TorinoTorino, Italy
| | - Laura E Prino
- Department of Psychology, University of TorinoTorino, Italy
| | - Cristina Sechi
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, University of CagliariCagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Vismara
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, University of CagliariCagliari, Italy
| | - Erica Neri
- Department of Psychology, University of BolognaBologna, Italy
| | - Concetta Polizzi
- Department of Psychological, Educational and Training Sciences, University of PalermoPalermo, Italy
| | - Annamaria Trovato
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of RomeRome, Italy
| | - Barbara Volpi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of RomeRome, Italy
| | - Sara Molgora
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred HeartMilano, Italy
| | - Valentina Fenaroli
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred HeartMilano, Italy
| | - Elena Ierardi
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-BicoccaMilano, Italy
| | - Valentino Ferro
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-BicoccaMilano, Italy
| | - Loredana Lucarelli
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, University of CagliariCagliari, Italy
| | | | - Renata Tambelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of RomeRome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred HeartMilano, Italy
| | | | - Piera Brustia
- Department of Psychology, University of TorinoTorino, Italy
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Accordini M, Saita E, Irtelli F, Buratti M, Savuto G. Stories of change: the text analysis of handovers in an Italian psychiatric residential care home. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2017; 24:232-242. [PMID: 28198578 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: There is a growing emphasis on communication as a result of the move towards the more inclusive approach associated with the community-based rehabilitation model. Therefore, more importance is attached to handovers. Besides ensuring transfer of information, handovers enhance group cohesion, socialize staff members to the practices of the service and capture its organizational culture. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: While handovers are mainly used for information transfer and to manage the services' daily routine, this paper offers an insight on how handovers can be conceived as valuable instruments to document cultural and organizational change. Only a limited amount of studies has focused on handovers in mental healthcare settings, and most of them only consider the perspectives of psychiatric nurses, while embracing a broader perspective, this paper provides valuable insights into the perspectives of various service providers. The overcoming of the dichotomy deficit-based vs. recovery-oriented model is possible if professionals use handovers to reflect upon their practice and the ways in which their cultural models are affected by the environmental context. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Handovers are valuable instruments to document organizational change. It would be important for psychiatric and rehabilitation facilities to keep track of the handover records over time as they may provide insightful information about cultural change and the transformations in the core values and beliefs held by professionals. ABSTRACT Handovers assure a timely and correct information transfer while socializing workers to the service's culture; however, no study describes them as instruments to document organizational change and only a few have focused on psychiatric settings. Aim To investigate the change in the culture of an Italian psychiatric residential care home as perceived by its mental health workers (MHWs) over the course of two decades. Method Emotional text analysis (ETA) was used to analyse the MHWs' handovers completed from 1990 to 2011. Results The analysis generated four clusters and three main factors illustrating the change in the MHWs' representations of the residential care home and its occupants. The factors showed: (1) the shift from an individualistic, problem-focused view to an inclusive, community-based approach; (2) the presence of a descriptive as well as a specialized language; and (3) the presence of a double focus: on patients and professionals. Conclusions Handovers transcripts document the following changes: (1) a shift from a symptom-based to a recovery-oriented approach; (2) a modification of the MHWs values towards an holistic view of the patient; (3) a growing importance assigned to accountability, services integration and teamwork. The paper shows that handovers can be used diachronically to document organizational change.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Accordini
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - E Saita
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - F Irtelli
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - M Buratti
- Fondazione Lighea Onlus, Milan, Italy
| | - G Savuto
- Fondazione Lighea Onlus, Milan, Italy
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Facchin F, Saita E, Barbara G, Dridi D, Vercellini P. "Free butterflies will come out of these deep wounds": A grounded theory of how endometriosis affects women's psychological health. J Health Psychol 2017; 23:538-549. [PMID: 28810386 DOI: 10.1177/1359105316688952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to develop a grounded theory of how endometriosis affects psychological health. Open interviews were conducted with 74 patients. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was administered to all women, who were divided into distressed versus non-distressed. At the core of our grounded theory was the notion of disruption due to the common features of living with endometriosis. Experiencing disruption (vs restoring continuity) involved higher distress and was associated with a long pathway to diagnosis, bad doctor-patient relationships, poor physical health, lack of support, negative sense of female identity, and identification of life with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giussy Barbara
- 2 Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico and Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Dhouha Dridi
- 2 Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico and Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Vercellini
- 2 Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico and Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
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Abstract
Paternal postpartum depression (PPD) has received little attention compared with maternal prenatal and postpartum depression, despite research reporting that paternal PPD concerns a substantial number of fathers. History of depression and antenatal depression have been identified as important PPD’s risk factors, underlining the continuity of depressive symptoms during the transition to parenthood. However, only few studies have focused on the evolution of depressive symptoms with longitudinal research design. The present study aims at analyzing the longitudinal trajectories of depressive symptoms from the third trimester of pregnancy to 1 year after childbirth. One hundred and twenty-six first-time fathers completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at four time points (7-8 months of pregnancy, 40 days, 5-6 months, and 12 months after childbirth). Data were analyzed throughout latent growth mixture modeling. Latent growth mixture modeling analysis indicated a three-class model as the optimal solution. The three-class solution included a trajectory of low, stable depressive symptoms across the four time points (resilient, 52%); a trajectory of moderate, relatively stable depressive symptomatology (distress, 37%); and a trajectory of emergent clinical depression following a pattern of high depressive symptoms (emergent depression, 11%). This study allowed to identify different subpopulation within the sample, distinguishing among mental well-being, emotional distress, and high-risk conditions when—1 year after childbirth—fathers report the highest scores to the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. These results underline the importance to analyze fathers’ well-being over the time during the transition to fatherhood.
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Abstract
The positive outcomes associated with Patient Engagement (PE) have been strongly supported by the recent literature. However, this concept has been marginally addressed in the context of cancer. Limited attention has also received the role of informal caregivers in promoting physical and psychological well-being of patients, as well as the interdependence of dyads. The Cancer Dyads Group Intervention (CDGI) is a couple-based psychosocial intervention developed to promote engagement in management behaviors, positive health outcomes, and the quality of the relationship between cancer patients and their informal caregivers. The article examines the ability of the CDGI to promote adaptive coping behaviors and the perceived level of closeness by comparing cancer patients participating in the intervention and patients receiving psychosocial care at usual. Results indicate that individuals diagnosed with cancer attending the CDGI present significant increases in Fighting Spirit and Avoidance, while reporting also reduced levels of Fatalism and Anxious Preoccupation. Initial indications suggest that the intervention may contribute to strengthening the relationship with the primary support person.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Acquati
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sara Molgora
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Milan, Italy
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Facchin F, Barbara G, Saita E, Mosconi P, Roberto A, Fedele L, Vercellini P. Impact of endometriosis on quality of life and mental health: pelvic pain makes the difference. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2016; 36:135-41. [PMID: 26328618 DOI: 10.3109/0167482x.2015.1074173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION No prior study of endometriosis has investigated the psychological impact of having asymptomatic endometriosis versus endometriosis with pelvic pain in a systematic way. This study aimed at examining the impact of endometriosis on quality of life, anxiety and depression by comparing asymptomatic endometriosis, endometriosis with pelvic pain, and healthy, pain-free controls. The psychological impact of different types of endometriosis pain was also tested. METHODS One hundred and ten patients with surgically diagnosed endometriosis (78 with pelvic pain and 32 without pain symptoms) and 61 healthy controls completed two psychometric tests assessing quality of life, anxiety and depression. Endometriosis participants indicated on a numerical rating scale the intensity of four types of pain (dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, non-menstrual pelvic pain and dyschezia). RESULTS Endometriosis patients with pelvic pain had poorer quality of life and mental health as compared with those with asymptomatic endometriosis and the healthy controls. No significant differences were found between asymptomatic endometriosis and the control group. Dysmenorrhea had significant effects only on physical quality of life; non-menstrual pelvic pain affected all the variables; no significant effects were found for dyspareunia and dyschezia. CONCLUSIONS Pain significantly affects women's experience of endometriosis. The medical treatment of endometriosis with pain may not be sufficient and psychological intervention is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Facchin
- a Department of Psychology , Catholic University of Milan , Milan , Italy
| | - Giussy Barbara
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico and Università degli Studi di Milano , Milano , Italy , and
| | - Emanuela Saita
- a Department of Psychology , Catholic University of Milan , Milan , Italy
| | - Paola Mosconi
- c Department of Public Health , IRCCS - Istituto Mario Negri , Milano , Italy
| | - Anna Roberto
- c Department of Public Health , IRCCS - Istituto Mario Negri , Milano , Italy
| | - Luigi Fedele
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico and Università degli Studi di Milano , Milano , Italy , and
| | - Paolo Vercellini
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico and Università degli Studi di Milano , Milano , Italy , and
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Vismara L, Rollè L, Agostini F, Sechi C, Fenaroli V, Molgora S, Neri E, Prino LE, Odorisio F, Trovato A, Polizzi C, Brustia P, Lucarelli L, Monti F, Saita E, Tambelli R. Perinatal Parenting Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Outcomes in First-Time Mothers and Fathers: A 3- to 6-Months Postpartum Follow-Up Study. Front Psychol 2016; 7:938. [PMID: 27445906 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00938/full] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although there is an established link between parenting stress, postnatal depression, and anxiety, no study has yet investigated this link in first-time parental couples. The specific aims of this study were 1) to investigate whether there were any differences between first-time fathers' and mothers' postnatal parenting stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms and to see their evolution between three and 6 months after their child's birth; and 2) to explore how each parent's parenting stress and anxiety levels and the anxiety levels and depressive symptoms of their partners contributed to parental postnatal depression. METHOD The sample included 362 parents (181 couples; mothers' M Age = 35.03, SD = 4.7; fathers' M Age = 37.9, SD = 5.6) of healthy babies. At three (T1) and 6 months (T2) postpartum, both parents filled out, in a counterbalanced order, the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. RESULTS The analyses showed that compared to fathers, mothers reported higher scores on postpartum anxiety, depression, and parenting stress. The scores for all measures for both mothers and fathers decreased from T1 to T2. However, a path analysis suggested that the persistence of both maternal and paternal postnatal depression was directly influenced by the parent's own levels of anxiety and parenting stress and by the presence of depression in his/her partner. DISCUSSION This study highlights the relevant impact and effects of both maternal and paternal stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms during the transition to parenthood. Therefore, to provide efficacious, targeted, early interventions, perinatal screening should be directed at both parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Vismara
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luca Rollè
- Department of Psychology, University of Torino Torino, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Sechi
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valentina Fenaroli
- Department of Psychology, University Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Molgora
- Department of Psychology, University Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Milano, Italy
| | - Erica Neri
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Bologna Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura E Prino
- Department of Psychology, University of Torino Torino, Italy
| | - Flaminia Odorisio
- Department of Psychology, University Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Milano, Italy
| | - Annamaria Trovato
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Roma Roma, Italy
| | - Concetta Polizzi
- Department of Psychological, Educational and Training Sciences, University of Palermo Palermo, Italy
| | - Piera Brustia
- Department of Psychology, University of Torino Torino, Italy
| | - Loredana Lucarelli
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fiorella Monti
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Bologna Bologna, Italy
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, University Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Milano, Italy
| | - Renata Tambelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Roma Roma, Italy
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