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The effects of Infant Massage on the fathers in transition to parenthood

  • May 2016
DOI:10.13140/RG.2.2.21616.66567
  • Conference: World Association for Infant Mental Health (WAIMH)
Authors:
Antonio Gnazzo at Sapienza University of Rome
Antonio Gnazzo
Claire Squires
Claire Squires
Claire Squires
  • This person is not on ResearchGate, or hasn't claimed this research yet.
Gaia de Campora at Università degli Studi di Torino
Gaia de Campora
Roberta Lella
Roberta Lella
Roberta Lella
  • This person is not on ResearchGate, or hasn't claimed this research yet.
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Abstract

Introduction. The literature points out that the changes, both physical and emotional, experienced by the women during the transition to parenthood may constitute risk factors during perinatal period. Only recently was given more attention to the effects of this step on the father and preliminary studies indicate that this period may be characterized by an increase in stress related to the parental role and by a decrease in dyadic adjustment. These elements may indicate the emergence of a possible caregiving system at risk that could compromise the parent-infant interaction, and representing risk factors for the infant development. Several studies describe the Infant Massage (IM) as an early intervention able to promote the parental ability to understand the baby’s cues, reducing the risk of the post-partum stage. To date, only few studies have investigated the impact of IM on fathers. Aim. Our goal is to observe wheatear the IM taught to fathers can have an effect on the emotional state of the fathers in particular on their depressive risk, parental stress, dyadic adjustment and perception of social support. Method. The research consists in three distinct phases in which were involved twenty-five father-child pairs. In the first step (T1, Pre-intervention) and in the third step (T3, Post-intervention) data were collected through the following self-report: EPDS, PSI-SF, DAS, ICQ and MSPSS. The second step (T2 - Intervention) is represented by four meetings in which the fathers were trained to touch the baby through the massage sequences. Results. Findings show a decrease in average score at EPDS and PSI-SF as well an increase in average score at DAS, and MSPSS. Conclusion. The IM seems to be a valuable early intervention able to act on those variables that can affect the adjustment of the father to the new parental role.
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Prenatal and Postpartum Depression in Fathers and Its Association With Maternal Depression A Meta-analysis
Article
It is well established that maternal prenatal and postpartum depression is prevalent and has negative personal, family, and child developmental outcomes. Paternal depression during this period may have similar characteristics, but data are based on an emerging and currently inconsistent literature. To describe point estimates and variability in rates of paternal prenatal and postpartum depression over time and its association with maternal depression. Studies that documented depression in fathers between the first trimester and the first postpartum year were identified through MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Google Scholar, dissertation abstracts, and reference lists for the period between January 1980 and October 2009. Studies that reported identified cases within the selected time frame were included, yielding a total of 43 studies involving 28 004 participants after duplicate reports and data were excluded. Information on rates of paternal and maternal depression, as well as reported paternal-maternal depressive correlations, was extracted independently by 2 raters. Effect sizes were calculated using logits, which were back-transformed and reported as proportions. Random-effects models of event rates were used because of significant heterogeneity. Moderator analyses included timing, measurement method, and study location. Study quality ratings were calculated and used for sensitivity analysis. Publication bias was evaluated with funnel plots and the Egger method. Substantial heterogeneity was observed among rates of paternal depression, with a meta-estimate of 10.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.5%-12.7%). Higher rates of depression were reported during the 3- to 6-month postpartum period (25.6%; 95% CI, 17.3%-36.1%). The correlation between paternal and maternal depression was positive and moderate in size (r = 0.308; 95% CI, 0.228-0.384). No evidence of significant publication bias was detected. Prenatal and postpartum depression was evident in about 10% of men in the reviewed studies and was relatively higher in the 3- to 6-month postpartum period. Paternal depression also showed a moderate positive correlation with maternal depression.
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Prenatal Depression Effects and Interventions: A Review
Article
  • Dec 2010
This review covers research on the negative effects of prenatal depression and cortisol on fetal growth, prematurity and low birthweight. Although prenatal depression and cortisol were typically measured at around 20 weeks gestation, other research suggests the stability of depression and cortisol levels across pregnancy. Women with Dysthymia as compared to Major Depression Disorder had higher cortisol levels, and their newborns had lower gestational age and birthweight. The cortisol effects in these studies were unfortunately confounded by low serotonin and low dopamine levels which in themselves could contribute to non-optimal pregnancy outcomes. The negative effects of depression and cortisol were also potentially confounded by comorbid anxiety, by demographic factors including younger age, less education and lower SES of the mothers and by the absence of a partner or a partner who was unhappy about the pregnancy or a partner who was depressed. Substance use (especially caffeine use) was still another risk factor. All of these problems including prenatal depression, elevated cortisol, prematurity and low birthweight and even postpartum depression have been reduced by prenatal massage therapy provided by the women's partners. Massage therapy combined with group interpersonal psychotherapy was also effective for reducing depression and cortisol levels. Several limitations of these studies were noted and suggestions for future research included exploring other predictor variables like progesterone/estriol ratios, immune factors and genetic determinants. Further research is needed both on the potential use of cortisol as a screening measure and the use of other therapies that might reduce prenatal depression and cortisol in the women and prematurity and low birthweight in their infants.
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What about dad?: Psychosocial and mental health issues for new fathers
Article
Although motherhood and the mother-infant bond have been extensively researched, the same is not true for fatherhood and the father-infant bond. This article discusses the psychological tasks of the expectant father, the adjustment issues for men during their partners pregnancy and the postnatal period, and the development of the father-infant bond. The 9 months of pregnancy are conceptualised as a time of psychological preparation for the first time expectant father. Four psychological tasks of this period are described with guidelines regarding how a health professional might assess and foster progress. In the postnatal period, 10% of new fathers will have a partner suffering from postnatal depression and the male response to this can positively or negatively influence recovery. This article concludes that the father-infant relationship is influenced by the partner relationship as well as the fathers psychological wellbeing.
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La depressione perinatale paterna. Una rassegna della ricerca clinica ed empirica
  • Jan 2010
  • 79-92
  • F Baldoni
  • L Ceccarelli
Baldoni F., & Ceccarelli L. (2010). La depressione perinatale paterna. Una rassegna della ricerca clinica ed empirica. Infanzia e Adolescenza, 9, 79-92.