1st Edition
The Psychology of Prenatal Development A Therapeutic Synopsis of Human Existence
This important book introduces the basics of prenatal psychology and works through the current scientific findings in the psychology and psychosomatics of pregnancy and birth. Through exploring bio-psycho-social relationships, as well as historical and cultural perspectives, this interdisciplinary approach easily breaks down specialist discussions into easy-to-understand concepts.
Bridging the gap between fetal programming and psychological research and practice, this accessible book presents the history of the field and the basic concepts of prenatal development before exploring the behavioural dimensions of life before, during, and immediately after birth. Topics include sensory and emotional development in the womb, perception and brain development, the influence of environmental factors, and prenatal imprinting and long-term effects. The author also delves into the concept of attachment and support, and analyses body symptoms, sensations, feelings, inner images in dreams and imaginations, through the role of art creations and biographical narratives. As a whole, the book provides a therapeutic synopsis of the entire existence, which begins with conception.
Explaining how experiences in the prenatal period influence basic psychological imprints across the lifespan, this book is an essential resource for students in a wide range of interrelated disciplines, including developmental psychology, paediatric medicine, neuroscience, infancy and early child development, nursing, social work, and early childhood education. It may also be of interest to researchers, clinicians, and related professionals.
1. Introduction
2. Historical Development of Prenatal Psychology
3. Transgenerational and Prenatal Programming: Scientific Research
4. Basic Concepts of Prenatal Psychology
5. Chronological Classification of Prenatal Psychology
6. Prenatal Perception and Sensory Development
7. Emotional Development in the Womb: Bonding and Relationships
8. Clinical Implications: Psychosocial Interventions During Pregnancy
9. Prenatal Psychotherapy: Prenatal Psychotraumatology
10. Conclusion
Biography
Klaus Evertz works as psycho-, art- and body therapist in his own practice as well as the Dr. Mildred-Scheel-Academy, University Hospital Cologne, and until 2021 as the Center for Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Germany. A Painter and cultural psychologist, his research is in images as forms of consciousness, and he teaches at the Universities of Cologne and Dresden, the Nürtingen University of Art Therapy and the Nürtingen-Geislingen University of Economics, Germany.
"After hundreds of years of research into the reality of prenatal and birth life, it is now possible to provide this comprehensive overview of Prenatal Psychology. The reader can prepare for an adventure of expanding inner perception and knowledge."
Dr. med. Ludwig Janus, Facharzt für Psychotherapeutische Medizin, Pränatalpsychologe und Psychohistoriker, Institut für Pränatale Psychologie und Medizin, Germany."Klaus Evertz's new book brings intelligent, scientifically supported, evidence-based, peer reviewed studies into the realm of vanguard mainstream psychology, within everyman's grasp. Though he is writing from the frontier, is words convey what is self-evident to earnest ordinary human beings, words entwined with the disciplined rigor we expect from our pioneers. What a pleasure to recognize, as you are reading, that this makes absolute sense. As if he is putting language to something you have intuitively already known."
Karlton Terry, Pre and Perinatal Workshop Leader, New Mexico, USA.
