Systematic Review of Interventions with Parents in the Transition to Parenthood

Abstract

This study analyzed the effects of intervention programs aimed at mothers and fathers expecting their first child on the individual, marital, and parental domains of the transition to parenthood. We selected research articles published between 2008 and 2019 from the PsycINFO, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Data collection was carried out between November and December 2019 by two independent judges, according to the recommendations of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyzes). After applying the inclusion criteria, we classified the results of 30 articles and 6782 participants into three themes corresponding to each assessed domain. Positive effects on each domain of the transition to parenthood were obtained, mostly from interventions on couple communication, problem-solving, and co-parenting. Enhancements in the couple's relationship improve parents' mental health and marital satisfaction, which may promote parental emotional availability and responsiveness.