PERINATAL CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY OBSERVATORY
Established by resolution of the Department Council on 8 March 2016
Administrative headquarters: Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences
Scientific Directors
- Prof. Loredana Cena, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Brescia
- Prof. Chiara Buizza, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Brescia
- Dr. Luca Falciati, Researcher in Physiology, University of Brescia
- Prof. Gaetano Chirico, Neonatologist, former Director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia
- Dr. Andrea Benlodi, Director of Clinical and Community Psychology, ASST Mantova
Overview
The Observatory of Perinatal Clinical Psychology was established in 2016 within the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Brescia. It is the first Italian academic initiative specifically dedicated to Perinatal Clinical Psychology, adopting an interdisciplinary approach that integrates psychology with obstetrics, gynecology, neonatology, pediatrics, child neuropsychiatry, nursing, social care, and educational sciences.
Its activities focus on the period from preconception to the first 1,000 days of life, a developmental stage recognized as crucial for the child's cognitive, emotional, social, and physical health.
Mission and Objectives
The Observatory promotes:
- Research on perinatal mental health, parent-child relationships, early development, and the psychological and neurobiological factors influencing health during the first 1,000 days of life.
- Education and professional training for healthcare, psychological, social, and educational professionals involved in perinatal care.
- Prevention and early intervention programs aimed at supporting prospective parents, families, and young children.
- Public engagement and community outreach activities that translate research findings into services and initiatives benefiting families and local communities.
Research Activities
Research conducted within the Observatory investigates how early relational experiences influence brain development, emotional well-being, and long-term health outcomes. Particular attention is devoted to parental mental health, caregiving quality, infant development, and prevention of developmental and psychosocial difficulties.
The Observatory has developed numerous national and international collaborations with universities, healthcare institutions, research centers, and public organizations, including the Italian National Institute of Health and several healthcare networks across Italy and Europe.
Education and Training
Since 2012, the University of Brescia has offered postgraduate training programs in Perinatal Clinical Psychology. These initiatives evolved in 2024 into the joint First-Level Master's Degree:
“WeCare Professionals: Prevention and Interventions in the First 1,000 Days of Life”, developed in partnership with the University of Milano-Bicocca.
The educational programs bring together experts from psychology, medicine, healthcare, and social sciences, providing multidisciplinary training for professionals working with families during the perinatal period.
Community Engagement
The Observatory actively promotes prevention, family support, and early intervention projects aimed at fostering parental well-being and healthy child development. Its activities contribute to improving maternal, paternal, infant, and family mental health through collaboration with healthcare services, educational institutions, and community organizations.
Research outcomes are disseminated through international conferences, scientific publications, educational initiatives, and public engagement events.