Perceptions of partner responsiveness across the transition to parenthood.

Smallen, Dave; Eller, Jami; Rholes, W. Steven; Simpson, Jeffry A.

doi:10.1037/fam0000907

Cited by 9 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 49 publications

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“…The current research takes an initial step in validating fluctuations in support within chronically stressful contexts. However, support may operate differently in stressful and nonstressful contexts (Neff et al, 2021; Smallen et al, 2022). Future research should continue this validation process in different contexts to provide a deeper understanding of the psychological mechanisms and meanings of fluctuations.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Here one time, gone the next: Fluctuations in support received and provided predict changes in relationship satisfaction across the transition to parenthood.

Eller¹,

Girme²,

Don³

et al. 2023

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology

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Extant research has demonstrated that higher mean (average) levels of social support often produce robust relational benefits. However, partners may not maintain the same level of support across time, resulting in potential fluctuations (i.e., within-person variations across time) in support. Despite the theorizing and initial research on fluctuations in relationship-relevant thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, little is known about (a) who is most likely to fluctuate in support and (b) the degree to which fluctuations, in combination with and beyond mean levels, impact relationships across time. The current preregistered research examined two dyadic longitudinal samples of first-time parents undergoing the transition to parenthood, a chronically stressful time that often entails the provision and receipt of support involving one's partner. Across both studies, we found that individuals who reported greater mental health problems, more situational stress, and more destructive dispositional attributes tended to report lower mean levels and higher fluctuations in provided and received support at subsequent assessments. Moreover, we found that greater fluctuations in perceptions and observations of support predicted decreases in relationship satisfaction over time, above and beyond the effect of mean levels. Implications for theory and studying nonlinear effects in relationships are discussed.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Here one time, gone the next: Fluctuations in support received and provided predict changes in relationship satisfaction across the transition to parenthood.

Eller¹,

Girme²,

Don³

et al. 2023

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology

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“…Poor sleep in mothers who have given birth may be due to heightened stress and mood symptoms (Loutzenhiser et al, 2015), as well as breastfeeding, which includes frequent nighttime awakenings (Gay et al, 2004). Infant night awakenings may be less stressful for parents and preserve their relationship when parents respond to infant awakenings together and are responsive to each other’s needs during these awakenings (Smallen et al, 2022). It is unclear; however, how infant sleep quality is related to sexual outcomes via parental sleep alone, especially when other protective factors (e.g., parental support and bonding) are present which may suppress a direct association between infant sleep and sexual frequency and desire.…”

Section: Changes In Sexual Frequency and Desire In The Transition To ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Indirect associations between infant sleep, parental sleep, and sexual well-being in new parent couples.

MacKenzie¹,

Gordon²,

Impett³

et al. 2023

Journal of Family Psychology

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New parents’ sexual frequency and desire fluctuate throughout the transition to parenthood (i.e., the first year after childbirth). Poorer infant sleep and parental sleep are each associated with lower sexual frequency and desire in cross-sectional research. According to the theory, infant sleep might shape new parents’ sexual frequency and desire in so far as it disrupts parental sleep, though this pathway has yet to be examined. We examined the role of parental sleep in the indirect pathway between infant sleep and sexual frequency and sexual desire in couples, both within and between-person, during the first-year postpartum. In a dyadic longitudinal study, 203 first-time mothers and their partners reported on infant sleep quality, parental sleep, sexual frequency, and sexual desire at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-months postpartum. Poorer infant sleep was associated with mothers’ (within-couple) and partners’ (between-couple) poorer sleep and, in turn, lower sexual frequency for the couple. For both mothers (within-person) and partners (between-person), poorer infant sleep was associated with their own lower sexual desire through poorer parental sleep via the indirect pathway. Ongoing assessment of infant sleep and parental sleep may reveal opportunities to mitigate the negative effects of poor sleep on new parents’ sexual relationships.

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“…With parenthood come many new responsibilities, such as childcare, but also increased household tasks. As such, many parentsespecially those of young childrenexperience high-stress levels (Smallen et al, 2022). Historically, parenthood responsibilities have been ascribed to women.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Spousal Support in Working Mothers’ Work-Life Balance

Alarifi¹,

Basahal²

2023

IBR

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This paper studied how Saudi working mothers experience spousal support, and what types of support are most relevant for them. Drawing on a qualitative research design with 17 semi-structured in-depth interviews with Saudi working mothers, and a thematic analysis approach, this study explored and discussed in-depth six types of spousal support and how working mothers experience each. We find that the most relevant and welcomed type of support is professional support, especially as it relates to current and future career aspirations, followed by more practical support in the household and with childcare/parenting responsibilities. Intellectual and emotional support are appreciated, but not a must, as most women feel they should be able to deal with their own emotions without their husband’s involvement. Financial support is becoming less relevant and the least-needed type of spousal support. Overall, we find that most working mothers struggle to find a balance between their work and non-work-related life, and male partners have an essential role in helping their wives find that balance.

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Perceptions of partner responsiveness across the transition to parenthood.

Cited by 9 publications

References 49 publications

Here one time, gone the next: Fluctuations in support received and provided predict changes in relationship satisfaction across the transition to parenthood.

Here one time, gone the next: Fluctuations in support received and provided predict changes in relationship satisfaction across the transition to parenthood.

Indirect associations between infant sleep, parental sleep, and sexual well-being in new parent couples.

The Role of Spousal Support in Working Mothers’ Work-Life Balance

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