The Transition to Motherhood: Psychoanalysis and Neuroscience Perspectives

Mariana von Mohr Ballina, Linda Mayes, Helena Rutherford

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Motherhood is a unique transitional period in adulthood accompanied
by distinct changes in the mind and brain. Although psychoanalytic and neuroscientific theory employ different levels of abstraction and meth-
odology, there could be value in considering the synergy between the two fields for understanding this critical transitional period for women. Here, we review this literature and present a joint model of the neurobiological and psychic reorganization that might occur to support motherhood. Our approach highlights the value of considering multiple perspectives theoretically, as well as clinically, given the insight of neuroscience and psychoanalysis to the development and refinement of parenting interventions.
Original languageEnglish
JournalPsychoanalytic Study of the Child
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

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