Browsing by Author "Canin, Nicole"

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The Experiences and Perceptions of Woman suffering from Vaginismus
(2006-10-31T12:56:57Z) Canin, Nicole
This study explores the perceptions of women suffering from vaginismus regarding their condition, themselves and their significant relationships. The subjective world of women suffering from vaginismus was therefore focused upon, within the context of a qualitative paradigm. Four volunteers who were diagnosed with the condition by a sexologist at the DISA health clinic, and were at the time seeking treatment for the condition, participated in the research. The research was conducted in the form of a semi-structured interview. Various psychological, emotional and social themes were explored. The participants’ responses were recorded and then analysed utilising content analysis. Within the analysis, a lack of constancy was noted amongst the participants. Differences with regard to etiological themes, personality profiles, emotions as well as relationships with intimate partners and parents were found. This is coherent with findings in the literature, which are also inconsistent. However, it should be noted that that whilst few aspects were found to be universal, most shared some commonality. Thus, various trends were established. The experience of vaginismus appears to be stressful, impacting on one’s emotions, selfesteem and intimate relationships. Trends were identified with regard to choice of partner. However, different relationship dynamics were found suggesting that couples react differently to the experience of vaginismus. All of the participants gave vague descriptions of their parental figures and relationships. Thus, it is difficult to make assertions regarding these relationships. Patterns of interaction and behaviour were experienced during the interviews. Avoidance of emotion was prevalent. The tendency to idealise relationships was found with all of the participants. The participants also appeared to make contradictory statements throughout the interviews.
The experience of premature infancy within the mother- infant dyad in neo-natal high care unit: A psychoanalytic exploration
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Canin, Nicole; Bain, Katherine
The experience of prematurity is disruptive and traumatic for both mother and infant, potentially placing the parent-infant relationship at risk. Given the risks involved as well as the prevalence of premature births, this is an area that requires engagement and research. In an attempt to address the paucity of psychoanalytically oriented research endeavours into the topic of prematurity, this study explored the experience of premature birth for mothers and infants in a neonatal high care ward through the lens of psychoanalytic theory. A psychoanalytically oriented ethnographic approach was utilised integrating object relations and intersubjective psychoanalytic theory with developmental psychology. This implied a focus on the influence of the mothers’ previous relational traumas on her experience of premature birth and use of dissociative defences. Maternal narratives from interviews as well as observational material from three premature mother-baby dyads allowed for in-depth exploration of maternal states of mind, intersubjectivity within mother-premature infant dyads, and infant responsivity. The study design required high levels of researcher reflexivity and the impact of the researcher’s subjectivity was explored. Insights were also offered into the process of conducting psychoanalytically oriented research within this sensitive context. Key findings included the fact that the trauma of engaging with a premature infant appears to reactivate dissociated self-states associated with childhood experiences of loss and absence for mothers. The study suggested that although the vulnerability of the infant is relevant, maternal states of mind play a bigger role in either supporting or derailing the development of the parent-infant relationship. The study also demonstrated the premature infant’s capacity, when appropriately supported, for communication and engagement.