Psychodynamic Study about Reflux and Colic During the First Year of Life

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the psychodynamics of three mother-infant pairs with reflux diagnosis and two with colic diagnosis and their possible relation to the referred psychosomatic disorders. Qualitative exploratory study in which the sample was composed after signing the informed consent form. Instruments: semi-directed interview, seven boards of the Thematic Apperception Test and Naturalistic Observation. Content analysis of the interviews and TAT boards was performed and the way the mother perceived the productions of the baby was considered from naturalistic observation. These analyses supported psychodynamic interpretations of the functioning of the dyads studied. As main results, the reflux group highlights the need for maternal support and the presence of maternal ambivalence. In mother-infant pairs with colic, there is anxiety regarding their own ability to care for their child. In both groups, there is environmental influence on the way mothers feel about sufficiently good mothering.