DOES THE INFANT MASSAGE HAVE AN EFFECT ON THE PERINATAL COUPLE FUNCTIONING?

Introduction. The transition to parenthood is considered a very stressful period for the couple experiencing a series of changes related to the new role. Indeed, several studies showed that this transition leads toward an increase of depression symptoms often related to a decrease in couple adjustment and perceived social support, as well as an increase of stress associated to the parental role (Bartolo et al., 2013). All these factors can compromise parent-infant interaction and thereby the infant development, highlighting the need of interventions to prevent the onset of early diseases. Several studies showed the efficacy of the infant massage (IM) in improving the maternal mental health, as well as the quality of her interaction with the baby (Shai & Belsky, 2011). However, to the best of our knowledge no studies have investigated the impact of the IM in improving the couple functioning during the perinatal stage. Aim. Our main goal is to observe wheatear the IM taught to both parents would change the quality of their adjustment with respect to the transition to parenthood. Method. Pre (Time1) and post-intervention (Time2) design as been set to videotaped a parent-infant interaction, coded through the EAS, and for the measurements of the data through the following self-report: EPDS, BDI-II, PSI-SF, DAS, and MSPSS. The treatment was represented by the IM, and it lasted 4 weeks. In the treatment the couple was trained to touch the baby through the massage sequences. The results will be compared with those of a control group. Results. Finding show lower scores on the EPDS and BDI, on the PSI-SF, as well as higher scores on the DAS and the MSPSS. Conclusion. The IM seems to be a valuable approach to prevent the establishment of dysfunctional pattern within the family system, which in turn can protect from the onset of early diseases of the baby. Further investigations are needed to improve the knowledge within the field of perinatal couple functioning