Cross‐lagged Models of Marital Relationships and Intergenerational Conflicts during Transition to Parenthood: Effect of Patrilineal Coresidence

Abstract

The transition to parenthood is one of the most stressful intra-and interpersonal adjustment periods for new parents. Bidirectional associations among intergenerational relationships during the transition to parenthood have received limited attention, and the complexity of reciprocal relationships varies in accordance with living arrangements. The objectives of this study were to explore (1) the bidirectional associations between marital relationships and conflicts with in-laws during the transition to parenthood and (2) the moderation of patrilineal coresidence on the aforementioned relationships. A three-wave prospective longitudinal design was adopted for 359 married mothers. The Dyadic Adjustment Scale and Stryker Adjustment Checklist were used to assess marital relationships and conflicts with parents-in-law. Cross-lagged panel analysis was applied to examine reciprocal relationships, and multigroup analyses were employed to determine whether these relationships exhibited different patterns in accordance with the individuals' living arrangements. The two cross-lagged models revealed the presence of a bidirectional relationship between marital distress and conflicts with parents-in-law during the mid-to late pregnancy stages. Meanwhile, the multigroup analyses suggested that conflicts with parents-in-law triggered marital distress during pregnancy in the coresidence group, whereas conflicts with fathers-in-law could intensify marital distress during late pregnancy to the postpartum period in the noncoresidence group. These findings shed light on cross-lagged associations with intergenerational conflicts. Healthcare professionals need to ensure that intergenerational relationships are positive during the transition to parenthood. This study enriches our understanding of the effect of patrilineal coresidence and can guide the future development of interventions based on culturally specific multidimensional approaches.

Relationships between parent–infant bonding, dyadic adjustment and quality of life, in an intra‐partner sample

“…The transition to parenthood is an intense life event in which mothers and fathers experience new individual and family challenges, such as changes in roles, new family demands, chronic fatigue, financial pressures and conflicts between work and family life (Figueiredo et al, 2018 ), requiring the development of new skills and resources to face these changes (Rowe et al, 2013 ). The experiences of this adaptation process, when the dyadic marital relationship becomes a triadic or multiple relationships (Lau et al, 2020 ), impact individual well‐being, the conjugal relationship and the parent's ability to support their child during their early years (Young et al, 2019 ). Therefore, facilitating a positive transition is a topic of interest for researchers and health providers alike.…”

Predictor role of marital conflict on maternal competency with mediating role of perceived stress and concerns during pregnancy: A structural equation model

“…As a result, maternal concerns further increase marital conflicts. 53 The study showed that pregnancy concern does not affect maternal competency. However, since the present study measured maternal competence prospectively 6 weeks after delivery, and in this study, pregnancy-specific concerns were examined, so the trend of time and initiation of the maternal transition process may reduce the impact of pregnancy-related problems and concerns on maternal competency.…”

“…As the initial transition to motherhood begins with pregnancy, there are concerns such as accepting new social roles, restrictions on freedom, and spending more time, energy, and budget, the quality of marital relationships affect these concerns during pregnancy. As a result, maternal concerns further increase marital conflicts 53 …”

Men’s psychological and functional changes during parental transition: a review study

“…Men may thus be reluctant to express their support needs or seek help amid concerns that to do so would detract from their partner's needs (Darwin et al, 2017). New fathers often do not have information about these psychological changes, and they require role models or instructions to prepare for adapting with TTP stage, especially about a relationship with a partner (Lau et al, 2020). Also, they need antenatal education/support programs (Trimarchi and Van Bavel, 2017).…”