Transition to Parenthood and Marital Satisfaction: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The transition to parenthood is a major life event characterized by profound changes for a considerable number of people. Previous meta-analyses summarized the results obtained by various researchers in the first year and, respectively, in the first 2 years postpartum, globally. The current studyadds to the literature by testing the changes from 12 to 24 months, the cross-partner associations and the analysis of different moderators. The aims of thispresent meta-analysis are to investigate the decrease in marital satisfaction during the first and second year postpartum, to examine cross-partner associations of the decline in postpartum marital satisfaction, and to investigate the potential moderating variables of this decrease. Forty-nine studies (97 samples of parents and 9 samples of non-parents) that fit our criteria are included in the meta-analysis. The data analysis was performed using meta-analytic techniques. Marital satisfaction has a medium decrease between pregnancy and 12 months postpartum, and a small decline between 12 and 24 months postpartum for both genders. In a similar period with first year postpartum, non-parents present a small decline in marital satisfaction. Moreover, the analysis of the dyadic studies data shows cross-partner associations, confirming that one partner’s satisfaction has a steeper decline when the other partner’s satisfaction presents a steep decrease. The decrease in marital satisfaction does not stop after the first postpartum year, and the coss-partners associations are present. Theoretical and therapeutic implications are also discussed.

Ecological momentary assessment of postpartum outcomes in mothers of multiples: lower maternal-infant bonding, higher stress, and more disrupted sleep

“…Finally, given its role as a “buffer” against parenting stress (Goldberg and Smith 2014 ) and its close ties with mental health (Downward et al 2022 ) and adaptive parenting behaviors (Krishnakumar and Buehler 2000 ), marital satisfaction is another important postpartum outcome. Relationship satisfaction generally decreases in the first year postpartum (Bogdan et al 2022 ), with commonly-cited reasons including decreased time spent together, less time for communication and discussion, decreased physical intimacy, and conflict over division of household labor and childcare (Prino et al 2016 ). The higher time demands, caretaking responsibilities, medical complications, and more than comes with having multiples suggests that parents of multiples might report even lower postpartum relationship satisfaction than parents of singletons.…”

Birth in Brazil II: a postpartum maternal, paternal and child health research protocol

“…Pregnancy, parturition and birth bring major changes to the lives of mothers and fathers. During postpartum, in particular, they are preoccupied with the newborn’s demands and care, having to adjust to the new reality 1 . The first few weeks postpartum are an important and special period.…”

Couple-Level Manifestations of Posttraumatic Stress and Maternal and Paternal Postpartum Relationship Functioning

“…Intimate relationships during the perinatal period-the time inclusive of pregnancy and the first postpartum year-have important implications for health. Partner relationship satisfaction declines during the transition to parenthood [1], and psychopathology in one or both partners may strain the couple relationship during this already challenging time. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-the sentinel stressrelated mental health condition-is increasingly recognized as an important psychological concern with interpersonal consequences, and research has linked maternal PTSD symptom severity with adverse relationship health during the perinatal period (e.g., intimate partner violence [2], poor dyadic adjustment [3], and low relationship satisfaction [4]).…”