Eleonora BEVACQUA
Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Edificio 15, Palermo, 90128, Italy.
e-Mail: eleonora.bevacqua@unipa.it
Education
Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology
Current Positions
PhD Student in Health Promotion and Cognitive Sciences
PhD project title and a short abstract
"Reflective Functioning and Psychological Distress During Pregnancy and Postpartum"
Abstract
Reflective functioning (RF), or mentalization, refers to the ability to interpret one’s own and others' actions based on underlying mental states. This capacity, shaped by early attachment relationships, is particularly relevant during parenthood transitions, when individuals experience profound identity reorganization. However, parents with a history of childhood maltreatment (CM) may face difficulties in mentalizing, potentially increasing psychological distress and affecting the quality of attachment to their child. While maternal RF has been extensively studied, research on paternal RF remains limited.
My PhD project aims to examine RF as a potential protective or mediating factor in the relationship between childhood adversity, psychological distress, and prenatal/postnatal attachment.
The project includes four key objectives:
- investigating the impact of emotional abuse and neglect on psychological distress during pregnancy, considering prenatal attachment as a possible buffer;
- examining the mediating role of RF in the association between childhood maltreatment and perinatal depression in mothers;
- exploring RF as a mediator between childhood maltreatment and psychological distress in fathers;
- assessing the relationship between maternal and paternal RF, couple dynamics, and psychological distress.
Data will be collected at two time points (T0: pregnancy; T1: postpartum) using validated measures assessing sociodemographic variables, childhood maltreatment, prenatal/postnatal attachment, psychological distress, RF, parental RF, and couple relationship quality.
By integrating maternal and paternal perspectives, this project aims to expand the understanding of RF’s role in fostering adaptive parenting, particularly in populations at risk due to early adversities. The findings may contribute to the development of targeted interventions to support expectant parents, enhancing their capacity to mentalize and promote secure attachment relationships.
Supervisor: Prof.ssa Francesca Giannone, Prof.ssa Maria Rita Infurna
Main research areas of interest
- Perinatal period
- Pregnancy
- Reflective Functioning
- Gender Violence
Researcher ID