Archives of Hellenic Medicine

Last update:

11-Nov-2024

Arch Hellen Med, 41(6), November-December 2024, 848-852

SPECIAL ARTICLE

Dynamics in early mother-infant relationships: "The signifiers of secure attachment"

A. Papaioannou,¹ S. Martinaki,^1,2 V. Ntelidaki³
¹First Psychiatric Clinic, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Eginitio" Hospital, Athens,
²Department of Social Work, University of West Attica, Athens,
³Hellenic Center for Mental Health, and Research (EKEPSYE), Athens, Greece

Perinatal psychiatry has developed significantly during the past decades and remarkable progress has been made in understanding thoroughly the processes taking place in the psyche of both the mother and the new couple that conceives, carries and gives birth to a baby; a particular experience in a couple's and family's life. Research shows more and more clearly how these processes are inseparable to the consistency of the child's future development and his(her) capacity to cope with life. Nevertheless, the perinatal period may result in the couple experiencing mental vulnerability, as it can evoke unpleasant past experiences, usually (experiences) regarding the couple's relationship with their own parents. Therefore, a specialist's challenge is to help transform these experiences, in order to prevent repetition to the child.

Key words: Attachment theory, Bonding, Early mother-baby relationships, Interaction, Perinatal psychiatry, Primary maternal preoccupation.