Sintomas psicofuncionais em bebês de mães jovens: relação com características maternas e contextuais

This study aimed to evaluate and identify psychofunctional symptoms (PS) in infants (six to 18 months) of young mothers (14 to 24 years old), according to the Symptom CheckList (ROBERT-TISSOT ET AL., 1989). In addition, we sought to examine possible differences and the predictive role of aspects of maternal mental health (anxiety - BAI, depression - MINI-Plus, BDI-II), perception of marital adjustment (PBI, in relation to both the father and mother), family support (IPSF) and social-demographic data, considering both the presence and the absence of symptoms in the infants. Thus, two works were carried out: one with a quantitative and another qualitative character. In the first, performed with or without PS. The main findings refer to the predictive character of maternal variables, such as depressive symptoms (EPDS) for the presence of fear and allergy; demonstration of affection among family members (affectiveconsistent factor, IPSF) and parental care for the young mother (PBI) regarding behavioral symptoms; maternal marital status and symptoms of digestion and breathing; and, finally, maternal physical illnesses and eating symptoms. These findings reflect the richness of the configuration of the young motherhood associated with the presence of PS, since it covers the subjective aspects of the couple, physical-biological constitution, characteristics of the environment and socioeconomic conditions. Thus, focusing on maternal mental health the importance of an extended evaluation of PS in infants of young mothers is reinforced. The second article covered dyads in which the infant had at least one type of PS. Through analysis of qualitative content, two axes of understanding of the young motherhood: Social Support and Construction of Maternity. Social Support appeared in the picture of the baby's partner / father, the family and the health team. Whereas in the Maternity Construction the main ideas of the young mothers' speeches were divided into two lines of understanding: Maternal Identity (becoming a mother, changes, and maternal models) and Maternity Experiences (satisfaction, difficulties and preoccupations with the infant and Being mother). The complexity of the experience of young motherhood were verified (maternal mental health, marital and family relationships, socioeconomic conditions), together with the unique characteristics of her baby, is a moment of transformation and constant adaptation. Adequate social support, not only practical, but also emotional, represents a protective factor that impact differently for each mother in the process of building motherhood. The way the young mother experiences this moment of transition reflects on her baby through PS.Longitudinal studies may support the understanding of the emergence and permanence of PS in the infant of young mothers. So, more accurate early interventions can be implemented in order to prevent PS and promote health throughout the growth and development of these infants.