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Publication
Mães ideais ou mulheres possíveis : Um estudo qualitativo sobre amamentação e estereótipos de gênero
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Abstract(s)
A amamentação é uma prática amplamente estudada e incentivada, baseada nos benefícios para
a saúde do bebê. Em contrapartida, o impacto na saúde mental das mães sinaliza uma
inconsistência entre aquilo que é delas solicitado e o suporte oferecido. O objetivo do presente
estudo é compreender o impacto psicológico dos estereótipos sociais de gênero sobre o ideal
de maternidade na manutenção da amamentação como escolha de alimentação do bebê. O
desenho da investigação é qualitativo, exploratório, transversal e retrospetivo. A amostra, não
probabilística, por conveniência e bola de neve, compõe-se de 36 mulheres, com idade média
de 35,19 anos, residentes em Portugal e que amamentaram nos últimos dois anos. Os dados
foram coletados com entrevistas semiestruturadas, por videochamadas, respeitando os aspectos
éticos e deontológicos. As entrevistas foram gravadas, transcritas e analisadas de forma indutiva
com o método da Análise de Conteúdo e com o auxílio do software MAXQDA. Foram criadas
três categorias principais: dificuldades na amamentação, manutenção da amamentação e
estereótipos de gênero. Os conteúdos das dificuldades e dos estereótipos foram identificados na
maioria das entrevistas e contemplam as cinco subcategorias com maior frequência de citações.
Observou-se que a amamentação é atravessada por dificuldades, sobretudo psicológicas,
relacionando-se com o lugar socialmente atribuído à mulher na maternidade. Sentimentos como
medo, culpa e frustração, associaram-se ao confronto com o ideal de maternidade, interferindo
assim na manutenção da amamentação. A investigação elucidou a relevância do
aperfeiçoamento das intervenções nessa área, tornando-as mais direcionadas às idiossincrasias
de mulheres que decidam ou não pela amamentação.
Breastfeeding is a widely studied and encouraged practice based on the benefits for the baby's health. On the other hand, the impact on mothers' mental health signals an inconsistency between what is requested of them and the support offered. The aim of this study is to understand the psychological impact of social gender stereotypes on the ideal of motherhood in maintaining breastfeeding as a choice for feeding the baby. The research design is qualitative, exploratory, transversal and retrospective. The non-probabilistic, convenience and snowball sample is consisted of 36 women, with a mean age of 35.19 years, living in Portugal and who had breastfed in the last two years. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, by video calls, respecting ethical and deontological aspects. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed inductively using the Content Analysis method and with the help of the MAXQDA software. Three main categories were created: difficulties in breastfeeding, maintenance of breastfeeding and gender stereotypes. The contents of difficulties and stereotypes were identified in most interviews and included the five subcategories with the highest frequency of citations. It was observed that breastfeeding is crossed by difficulties, especially psychological, related to the social place assigned to women in motherhood. Feelings such as fear, guilt and frustration were associated with the confrontation with the motherhood’s ideal, thus interfering with the maintenance of breastfeeding. The investigation has elucidated the relevance of improving interventions in this area, making them more focused on the idiosyncrasies of women who decide or not to breastfeed.
Breastfeeding is a widely studied and encouraged practice based on the benefits for the baby's health. On the other hand, the impact on mothers' mental health signals an inconsistency between what is requested of them and the support offered. The aim of this study is to understand the psychological impact of social gender stereotypes on the ideal of motherhood in maintaining breastfeeding as a choice for feeding the baby. The research design is qualitative, exploratory, transversal and retrospective. The non-probabilistic, convenience and snowball sample is consisted of 36 women, with a mean age of 35.19 years, living in Portugal and who had breastfed in the last two years. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, by video calls, respecting ethical and deontological aspects. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed inductively using the Content Analysis method and with the help of the MAXQDA software. Three main categories were created: difficulties in breastfeeding, maintenance of breastfeeding and gender stereotypes. The contents of difficulties and stereotypes were identified in most interviews and included the five subcategories with the highest frequency of citations. It was observed that breastfeeding is crossed by difficulties, especially psychological, related to the social place assigned to women in motherhood. Feelings such as fear, guilt and frustration were associated with the confrontation with the motherhood’s ideal, thus interfering with the maintenance of breastfeeding. The investigation has elucidated the relevance of improving interventions in this area, making them more focused on the idiosyncrasies of women who decide or not to breastfeed.
Description
Dissertação de Mestrado apresentada no ISPA – Instituto Universitário para
obtenção de grau de Mestre na especialidade de
Psicologia da Saúde
Keywords
Amamentação Estereótipos de gênero Maternidade Mulheres Saúde mental Breastfeeding Gender stereotypes Motherhood Women Mental health