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Freitas MJ, Maneta Travanca IS, García-Fernández R. Parents' Needs When Experiencing the Transition to Twin Parenthood. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1173. [PMID: 38921288 PMCID: PMC11203324 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12121173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The transition to twin parenthood is a demanding challenge with a higher risk of maternal and fetal complications during pregnancy and a postpartum period that involves caring for more than one newborn at the same time with similar and simultaneous needs. (2) Aim: To find out about parents' needs when experiencing the transition to twin parenthood and to describe the intervention of their specialized nursing support network. (3) Methodology: A descriptive exploratory study, based on a proper non-probabilistic sample of 15 nurses and 55 couples who are parents of twins, using two online questionnaires publicized on social networks. (4) Results: The couple's needs were identified through knowledge of their experiences and difficulties during pregnancy and after the twin birth. Couples' and nurses' perceptions differed on the identified needs. The specialized nursing support network focuses its intervention on providing informative guidance on twin pregnancy and postpartum period, health education, group sharing experiences, home visits, planning, and including a family support network in the management of twin care and the creation of a daily routine. (5) Conclusions: There is a need to implement a program focused on the needs of parents of twins, promoting realistic expectations for the birth and parenting of twins, preparing parents, improving their well-being, and creating a specialized nursing support network available to this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Freitas
- Nursing Research, Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), Nursing School of Lisbon, 1600-190 Lisbon, Portugal; (I.S.M.T.); (R.G.-F.)
| | - Isabel Sofia Maneta Travanca
- Nursing Research, Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), Nursing School of Lisbon, 1600-190 Lisbon, Portugal; (I.S.M.T.); (R.G.-F.)
- Hospital Santa Maria, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rubén García-Fernández
- Nursing Research, Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), Nursing School of Lisbon, 1600-190 Lisbon, Portugal; (I.S.M.T.); (R.G.-F.)
- SALBIS Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Campus de Ponferrada, Universidad de León, 24401 León, Spain
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Scandurra C, Mezzalira S, Aviani S, Lastra V, Bochicchio V, Zapparella R, Saccone G, Maldonato NM, Locci M. Perinatal depression during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in a single prenatal clinic in Southern Italy: The role of loneliness, anxiety, and maternal support. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2023; 13:100585. [PMID: 37152681 PMCID: PMC10141786 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2023.100585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The current study aimed at assessing the levels of perinatal depression (i.e., both antenatal and postnatal) during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in a group of Italian women, as well as to evaluate the role of loneliness, anxiety, and lack of maternal support in cumulatively predicting perinatal depression. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 Italian women recruited during a peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy (i.e., from September to December 2021) from a single prenatal clinic in Southern Italy. A non-parametric binomial test was conducted to assess whether the perinatal depression frequencies of the current sample differed from those found in a pre-Covid reference group. Additionally, hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses assessing whether loneliness, anxiety, and maternal support affected women's perinatal depression were also conducted. Results The general prevalence of perinatal depression was significantly higher in participants recruited during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-Covid reference group (29% vs. 9.2%). However, results showed that, contrary to postnatal depression (18.2% vs. 19.9%), only the prevalence of antenatal depression was significantly higher compared to the pre-Covid reference group (39.6% vs. 6.4%). Furthermore, loneliness and anxiety, but not maternal support, were associated with higher levels of PD. Limitations Limitations concerned the cross-sectional nature of the study and the relatively small sample size. Conclusions This study sheds light on the need to address perinatal mental health of women during major stressful events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiano Scandurra
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, Napoli 80133, Italy
| | - Selene Mezzalira
- Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Calabria, Via Ponte Bucci Cubo 18/C, Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Silvia Aviani
- Intradepartmental Program of Clinical Psychology, Federico II University Hospital, Via Sergio Pansini 5, Napoli 80133, Italy
| | - Valeria Lastra
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, Napoli 80133, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Bochicchio
- Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Calabria, Via Ponte Bucci Cubo 18/C, Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Rosanna Zapparella
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, Napoli 80133, Italy
| | - Gabriele Saccone
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, Napoli 80133, Italy
| | - Nelson Mauro Maldonato
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, Napoli 80133, Italy
| | - Mariavittoria Locci
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, Napoli 80133, Italy
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Della Vedova AM, Santoniccolo F, Sechi C, Trombetta T. Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Symptoms, Parental Bonding and Dyadic Sensitivity in Mother-Baby Interactions at Three Months Post-Partum. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4253. [PMID: 36901263 PMCID: PMC10002080 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The quality of the early parent-infant relationship is crucial for the child's optimal development, and parental sensitivity plays a key role in early interactions. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of maternal perinatal depression and anxiety symptoms on dyadic sensitivity at three months post-partum, also considering a large set of maternal and infant variables. At the third trimester of pregnancy (T1) and at three months postpartum (T2), 43 primiparous women filled in a set of questionnaires evaluating symptoms of depression (CES-D) or anxiety (STAI), the woman's parental bonding experiences (PBI), alexithymia (TAS-20), maternal attachment to the baby (PAI, MPAS) and the perceived social support (MSPSS). At T2 mothers also completed a questionnaire on infant temperament and took part in the CARE-Index videotaped procedure. Dyadic sensitivity was predicted by higher maternal trait anxiety scores in pregnancy. In addition, the mother's experience of being cared for by her father in childhood was predictive of her infant's lower compulsivity, while paternal overprotection predicted higher unresponsiveness. The results highlight the influence of perinatal maternal psychological well-being and maternal childhood experiences on the quality of the dyadic relationship. The results may be useful to foster mother-child adjustment during the perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Della Vedova
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Sechi
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology and Philosophy, University of Cagliari, Via Is Mirrionis 1, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trombetta
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10124 Torino, Italy
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Perrella SL, Dix-Matthews A, Williams J, Rea A, Geddes DT. Breastfeeding and Maternal Perceptions of Infant Sleep, Settle and Cry Patterns in the First 9 Months. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13098. [PMID: 36293676 PMCID: PMC9602824 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated relationships between maternal perceptions of infant sleep, settling and crying patterns and breastfeeding. A prospective observational study of 91 mothers of healthy, term infants was conducted with follow ups over 9 months after discharge from a Western Australian maternity hospital. Feeding information, sleep, settle and cry behaviours, maternal bother at infant behaviours and confidence were measured using the Sleep and Settle Questionnaire. Breastfeeding confidence was measured using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form. Questionnaires were administered at 2 and 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 9 months. Linear mixed models were used to assess associations between maternal bother, feeding method and infant characteristics. The feeding method was not associated with maternal bother, and cessation of breastfeeding did not result in a change in bother scores (p = 0.34). Duration of infant crying in the day, evening and night, frequency of night waking and duration of settling to sleep in the day were associated with increased bother scores. Higher breastfeeding self-efficacy and maternal confidence were associated with lower bother scores (both p < 0.01). Maternal bother is associated with infant behaviours that require parental input, but not breastfeeding status. Resources that address parental expectations regarding infant sleep while providing strategies to support maternal wellbeing and breastfeeding are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Lisa Perrella
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Alice Dix-Matthews
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Julie Williams
- Neonatology Clinical Care Unit, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia
| | - Alethea Rea
- Mathematics and Statistics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Donna Tracy Geddes
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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Molgora S, Campo E, Carones MB, Ferrazzi E, Saita E, Facchin F. Predictors of Women’s Childbirth Experience: A Prospective Longitudinal Study on Italian New Mothers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHILDBIRTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1891/ijc-2021-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDWomen’s memories of their childbirth experience tend to remain unchanged over time. This experience can be influenced by obstetric factors as well as by sociodemographic and psychological variables.OBJECTIVETo examine whether women’s perceived childbirth experience changes over time; to identify the predictors (obstetric, sociodemographic, and psychological variables) of this experience immediately after delivery and after 3 months.METHODSThis prospective longitudinal study comprised two hundred and twenty-one Italian women who completed a self-report questionnaire at two assessment points: immediately (1–3 days) after birth (Time 1) and 3 months postpartum (Time 2). At Time 1, the questionnaire included some questions on sociodemographic, psychological, and obstetric information, and the Wijma Delivery Experience Questionnaire (WDEQ(B); at Time 2 women compiled again the WDEQ(B).RESULTSRepeated measures ANOVA revealed that the childbirth experience did not change from Time 1 to Time 2. However, predictors of this experience were different between Time 1 and Time 2: at Time 1, the childbirth experience (WDEQ(B)_t1) was significantly predicted nly by type of cesarean section; at Time 2, the childbirth experience (WDEQ(B)_t2) was significantly predicted by WDEQ(B)_t1, history of psychological disorders, and type of conception.DISCUSSIONSOur findings enhance the understanding of the main predictors of a woman’s childbirth experience. Identifying areas of vulnerability is important for clinical practice, as well as for developing maternal health policies to improve women’s birth experiences, postpartum well-being, and the baby’s development.
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Kokkinaki T, Markodimitraki M, Vasdekis VG. Maternal speech to singleton and first-born dizygotic twin infants: a four-month longitudinal and naturalistic study. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/17405629.2022.2092092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Theano Kokkinaki
- Laboratory of Applied Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Crete, Rethymnon, Greece
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Beyers-Carlson E, Schoenebeck S, Volling BL. Mother of One to Mother of Two: A Textual Analysis of Second-Time Mothers' Posts on the BabyCenter LLC Website. Front Psychol 2022; 13:859085. [PMID: 35548491 PMCID: PMC9082668 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.859085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mothers use online resources frequently to obtain information on pregnancy, birth, and parenting. Yet, second-time mothers may have different concerns than first-time mothers given they have a newborn infant and another child at home. The current study conducted an on-line textual analysis of the posts of second-time mothers during pregnancy and the first months postpartum on the BabyCenter LLC website, one of the largest online parenting communities. Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) analysis on roughly 16,000 posts to BabyCenter birth clubs in 2017 by approximately 4,000 users revealed second-time mothers relied on the online support of the BabyCenter community to share and discuss topics of pregnancy, birth, and child rearing. Second-time mothers also raised questions about preparing their firstborn children for a new baby sibling, how they would care for two children, whether they would love the second one as much as the first, and how the second child would change family dynamics. Future research needs to recognize that second-time mothers may have distinct concerns surrounding the birth of their second baby, and antenatal education and parenting classes may need to be modified to be more inclusive of these women's needs and perspectives. Online parenting communities offer avenues to support women as they make the transition from one child to two and may provide targeted opportunities to disseminate evidence-based practices that can assist these women and their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Beyers-Carlson
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Sarita Schoenebeck
- School of Information, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Brenda L. Volling
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Kolijn L, van den Bulk BG, Euser S, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ, van IJzendoorn MH, Huffmeijer R. Does neural face processing explain effects of an attachment-based intervention on maternal sensitivity? A randomized controlled study including pre- and postintervention measures. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e01972. [PMID: 34881520 PMCID: PMC8785642 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although there is a large body of literature highlighting the behavioral effects of parenting interventions, studies on the neurocognitive mechanisms involved in such intervention effects remain scarce. PURPOSE The aim of the current study was to test whether changes in neural face processing (as reflected in N170 amplitudes) would act as a mediator in the association between the Video-feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP-SD) and maternal sensitivity. METHODS A total of 66 mothers of whom a random 33% received the VIPP-SD and the others a "dummy" intervention participated in pre- and postintervention assessments. We recorded mothers' electroencephalographic (EEG) activity in response to photographs of children's neutral, happy, and angry facial expressions. Maternal sensitivity was observed while mothers interacted with their offspring in a semi-structured play situation. RESULTS In contrast with our expectations, we did not find evidence for mediation of intervention effects on maternal sensitivity by the N170. CONCLUSION We discuss that parenting support programs may yield different effects on neurocognitive processes depending on the population and provide recommendations for future research. Our study underscores the importance of reporting null findings and preregistering studies in the field of neurocognitive research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kolijn
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies, and Amsterdam Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1081 BT, The Netherlands.,Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bianca G van den Bulk
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Euser
- Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marian J Bakermans-Kranenburg
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies, and Amsterdam Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1081 BT, The Netherlands.,Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marinus H van IJzendoorn
- Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rens Huffmeijer
- Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Multimodal Interaction between a Mother and Her Twin Preterm Infants (Male and Female) in Maternal Speech and Humming during Kangaroo Care: A Microanalytical Case Study. CHILDREN 2021; 8:children8090754. [PMID: 34572186 PMCID: PMC8465668 DOI: 10.3390/children8090754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The literature reports the benefits of multimodal interaction with the maternal voice for preterm dyads in kangaroo care. Little is known about multimodal interaction and vocal modulation between preterm mother–twin dyads. This study aims to deepen the knowledge about multimodal interaction (maternal touch, mother’s and infants’ vocalizations and infants’ gaze) between a mother and her twin preterm infants (twin 1 [female] and twin 2 [male]) during speech and humming in kangaroo care. A microanalytical case study was carried out using ELAN, PRAAT, and MAXQDA software (Version R20.4.0). Descriptive and comparative analysis was performed using SPSS software (Version V27). We observed: (1) significantly longer humming phrases to twin 2 than to twin 1 (p = 0.002), (2) significantly longer instances of maternal touch in humming than in speech to twin 1 (p = 0.000), (3) a significant increase in the pitch of maternal speech after twin 2 gazed (p = 0.002), and (4) a significant increase of pitch in humming after twin 1 vocalized (p = 0.026). This exploratory study contributes to questioning the role of maternal touch during humming in kangaroo care, as well as the mediating role of the infant’s gender and visual and vocal behavior in the tonal change of humming or speech.
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Trombetta T, Giordano M, Santoniccolo F, Vismara L, Della Vedova AM, Rollè L. Pre-natal Attachment and Parent-To-Infant Attachment: A Systematic Review. Front Psychol 2021; 12:620942. [PMID: 33815204 PMCID: PMC8011495 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.620942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During the perinatal period, the establishment of the attachment relationship with the fetus and subsequently with the real child is crucial for the parents' and the child's well-being. Coherently with the assumption that the attachment relationship starts to develop during pregnancy, this systematic review aims to analyze and systematize studies focused on the association between pre-natal attachment and parent-to-infant attachment, in order to clarify the emerging results and provide useful information for clinical purposes. Nineteen studies were included. Sixteen researches identified a positive relationship between pre-natal attachment and parent-to-infant attachment, and three articles highlighted a negative association between antenatal attachment and post-partum bonding disorders. These results were found both in women and men, in normative and at-risk pregnancies, adopting different assessment approaches (i.e., self-report measures, observations, and projective measures). However, only small or moderate associations were found. Future studies are needed to further confirm these findings across different populations (e.g., male samples, non-normative samples or samples in disadvantaged conditions) and with different methodological approaches (e.g., observational measures). Moreover, studies would be needed in order to clarify mechanisms through which pre-natal attachment influences parent-to-infant attachment, as well as protective and risk factors which intervene between these two variables.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maura Giordano
- Department of Psychology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Laura Vismara
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Luca Rollè
- Department of Psychology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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