Research suggests that the relationship between caregivers and their infants has a significant effect on development and well-being across the lifespan. There is a significant body of research into psychological interventions which focus on this relationship. However, there is only limited research into the impact of antenatal interventions which aim to promote the caregiver-foetus relationship, thus preventing later difficulties in the caregiver-infant relationship. Findings so far suggest that such interventions could be effective, and recommendations have been made for further studies exploring the effect antenatal interventions on the caregiver-foetus relationship. This pilot study explored the impact of a newly developed psychoeducational intervention entitled “Baby World” on the caregiver-foetal relationship. Seventy-nine females and 26 males who were expecting their first child were recruited from an NHS midwife service in London. They were randomly allocated to experimental or control groups. All participants completed questionnaires measuring antenatal attachment, mental health and childhood experiences of caregiving at baseline. Those in the experimental group then attended the Baby World class. All participants then completed the questionnaires for a second time, and then attended the standard antenatal classes. Following attendance at these classes, participants completed the questionnaires for a third time and gave anonymous responses to qualitative questions. Statistical analyses of the quantitative data indicated that the intervention did not have an impact on antenatal attachment. Results did show that antenatal attachment increased over time, whilst anxiety decreased. A significant correlation was found between recollections of maternal caring and antenatal attachment. Qualitative analysis suggested that the intervention did have an impact on aspects of the relationship. In the qualitative responses, the majority of participants wrote that the class had been a positive experience for them, and that it had increased their confidence about being a caregiver. Many of the responses indicated that the class had positively affected their skills in reflective functioning, caregiver sensitivity and attunement, and changed their perspective on how to interact with their infant. The results add to the literature regarding the impact of antenatal interventions on the caregiver-foetus relationship. Further research is needed to explore the impact of the intervention on the relationship more closely, in particular to understand which aspects of the relationship may be affected. There are several limitations of the study, in particular the small sample size and the limited number of expectant fathers who participated. Reasons for these limitations are discussed.

O presente estudo tem como tema central investigar os efeitos de pertencer a um grupo de mulheres com diagnóstico de câncer de mama e compreender o processo de modalização do sofrimento e de adesão à Vida. O primeiro capítulo deste estudo dedica-se ao tema do cuidado, a partir de Boff e da metapsicologia do cuidado com Figueiredo. Em extensão, o tema do cuidado contempla o impacto do câncer de mama e as implicações psíquicas do diagnóstico e do tratamento na vida das mulheres. O segundo capítulo aborda as vivências de um grupo de apoio a mulheres com câncer de mama, que integra há oito anos o programa de Medicina Preventiva de uma cooperativa médica. A pesquisa se estrutura a partir da percepção da coordenadora deste grupo, como observadora participante, e dos relatos das integrantes colhidos neste percorrido. Os conceitos da teoria henryana, em especial os conceitos de modalização e adesão à Vida, e a função do grupo como cuidador servem de linha norteadora. Ao tomar câncer como palavra maldita, se apresenta a possibilidade de em grupo propiciar a modalização em uma saída bendita, pela possibilidade de adesão conjunta à Vida. / The following study has as its main theme to investigate the effects of belonging to a group of women with breast cancer diagnosis and to understand the process of modalization of suffering and accession to life. The first chapter of this study is about the theme of caring from Boff and the metapsychology of caring of Figueiredo. Therefore, the theme of caring contemplates the impact of breast cancer and the psychic implication of the diagnosis and treatment in the life of these women. The second chapter addresses the experiences of a supporting group of women with breast cancer which has been integrated already for eight years in the program of Preventive Medicine from a medical cooperative. The research structure is based upon the perception of the coordinator of this group as a participant observer and the report of women who participate in this group. All these reports were collected throughout this journey. The concepts of Henrynian theory, especially the concepts of modalization and accession to life, and the role of the group as caregiver served as the guideline. Taking cancer as an accursed word presents the possibility that the group may propitiate the modalization as a blessed output through the possibility of joint accession to life.