OVERVIEW

The course explores the psychological experiences related to pregnancy and parenthood, with particular attention to perinatal mental health. It aims to develop clinical and relational competencies within the obstetric context by integrating psychodynamic, biopsychosocial, and relational models.

AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

• describe the main psychodynamic models applied to pregnancy (Winnicott, Stern, Bydlowski) and their theoretical foundations;
• explain the role of the midwife in relational containment and in the prevention of perinatal psychological distress;
• critically analyse complex clinical situations related to pregnancy (trauma, perinatal bereavement, ART, TTP, violence), applying the theoretical models acquired;
• identify early signs of perinatal psychological distress and distinguish them from physiological responses;
• structure an empathetic and non-judgmental relational intervention within the obstetric care context;
• critically evaluate the psychological impact of different clinical conditions on the woman and on the mother-infant relationship.

TEACHING METHODS

Participatory lectures supported by multimedia materials (slides, videos) and interactive teaching tools (e.g., Wooclap). Guided discussion of scientific articles and clinical case analysis. All course materials are uploaded to Aulaweb.

Attendance is mandatory as required by the Degree Program regulations. Students with documented difficulties are advised to contact the instructor to request exemptions.

Non-attending students: students unable to attend are encouraged to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course to explain their situation. All materials on Aulaweb provide a complete resource for exam preparation.

Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or other specific educational needs: students holding valid certifications for SLD, disabilities, or other educational needs are invited to contact the instructor and the Department Inclusion Officer (Prof. Nicola Girtler – nicolagirtler@unige.it) at the beginning of the course, in order to agree on any adaptations to teaching methods that, while respecting the course objectives, take individual learning needs into account.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• The biopsychosocial model in obstetrics
• The caring relationship and the role of the midwife
• Introduction to psychoanalysis: drive, defence mechanisms, Freud’s structural model
• Winnicott and the concept of “primary maternal preoccupation”
• Stern’s maternal primary constellation and the inner experience of motherhood
• Prenatal attachment: theoretical aspects and clinical indicators
• Eating disorders during pregnancy: impact on mother and infant
• Body image and medically assisted reproduction (ART)
• Therapeutic termination of pregnancy (TTP): psychological impact and the role of the midwife
• Pregnancy and violence: sexual abuse, trauma, dissociation
• Clinical case discussions and ethical reflections

The module contributes to the following UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, selected in the CATEGORIES section of the online form:

• Goal 4 – Quality Education: inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning
• Goal 5 – Gender Equality: achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Materials provided by the instructor via Aulaweb, including:

• Lecture notes: Introduction to Psychoanalysis, The Birth in the Mother’s Mind, Maternal Mental Health
• Selected articles: Winnicott, Stern, Ferrara Mori, Bydlowski, Micali et al., Fogarty et al., Harrelson et al.
• Presentation slides: TTP, Eating Disorders, ART, Pregnancy and Violence

Non-attending students: materials on Aulaweb provide the complete reference for exam preparation. Students are encouraged to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course.

Students with SLD: please contact the instructor to discuss possible adaptations to study materials (e.g., accessible formats).

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

First semester of A.Y. 2026/2027. For the exact start date and timetable, please consult the academic calendar published on Aulaweb or at:

servizionline.unige.it – Students / Timetable and Academic Calendar

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The assessment of the Clinical Psychology module takes place within the integrated examination of the course “La Gravidanza”, through 10 multiple-choice questions covering the module’s programme.

For the overall examination methods of the integrated course (written test, clinical case discussion, CTG trace analysis), please refer to the syllabus of the integrated course.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The 10 multiple-choice questions assess the achievement of the stated learning outcomes as follows:

• Knowledge of psychodynamic models applied to pregnancy (outcome 1): questions on the identification and description of key theoretical models (Winnicott, Stern, Bydlowski) and their foundations.
• Understanding the role of the midwife in relational containment (outcome 2): questions on the recognition of clinical and relational functions of the midwife in perinatal contexts.
• Analysis of complex clinical situations (outcome 3): questions requiring the application of theoretical models to clinical scenarios such as trauma, perinatal bereavement, ART, TTP, and violence.
• Identification of early signs of perinatal psychological distress (outcome 4): questions on the early recognition of clinical indicators of psychological suffering.
• Critical reflection and clinical language (outcomes 5–6): assessed through options requiring terminological precision and reasoned judgement applied to relational or clinical scenarios.

Students with disabilities, SLD, or other specific educational needs who have uploaded their certification via servizionline.unige.it may request exam accommodations following the procedure below.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with disabilities or SLD are reminded that, in order to request exam accommodations, they must first upload the relevant certification via the University website at

servizionline.unige.it – “Studenti” section

The documentation will be verified by the University Office for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and SLDs:

rubrica.unige.it/strutture/struttura/100111

Subsequently, at least 10 days prior to the exam date, students must send an email to the course instructor, copying (cc) both the Department Inclusion Officer (nicolagirtler@unige.it) and the above Office (disabili@unige.it; dsa@unige.it).

The email must include:

• course title
• exam date
• student’s full name and ID number
• requested compensatory tools and dispensatory measures.