This research studies the influence of a drawing game intervention for control of anxiety in mothers with hospitalized, pre-term babies. It is a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study, in which 30 mothers participated. Initially the gestational profile was evaluated; the emotional state was then measured using the Irritability-Depression-Anxiety Scale and expectations regarding the baby, using the Neonatal Perception Inventory. 16 group interventions were then performed, with drawing game, sensorimotor, symbolic and rule activities, following Piagetian fundamentals. The outlined profile revealed previous history of pregnancy risk. The scale revealed that 75% of mothers suffered from high anxiety and depression; nevertheless, the inventory presented positive expectations with regard to their babies. The intervention was well accepted, with progressive motivation, relaxation, interaction, release of anxiogenic and distressing content related to the discrepancy between the expected baby and the actual baby, and to the feeling of guilt and discomfort in dealing with a fragile baby, resulting in a less anxious acceptance by the mothers.
Anxiety; Recreation; Drawing; Infant, premature