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Calkins FC, Finkelstein SD, Martin MJ, Brock RL. The indirect impact of infant negative emotionality on interparental conflict via perceptions of coparenting challenges: What prenatal resources mitigate this risk? FAMILY PROCESS 2024. [PMID: 38852939 DOI: 10.1111/famp.13024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Research clearly demonstrates that conflictual interparental relationship dynamics can create a family context that contributes to child emotional insecurity and psychopathology. Significantly less research has examined familial factors that contribute to maladaptive conflict between parents. Scholars have alluded to the disruptive impacts of parenting a child with certain temperamental characteristics (e.g., negative emotionality). Yet, there is a lack of empirical research examining if and how child temperament contributes to later interparental conflict. Using an established multi-informant, multi-method sample of 150 families first assessed during pregnancy, and again when the child was 1, 2, and 3.5 years of age, the present study aimed to test an integrated conceptual model examining whether infants' negative emotionality assessed at age 1 predicts interparental conflict at age 3.5, as mediated through destructive coparenting dynamics in toddlerhood, and identifying prenatal protective factors mitigating this maladaptive pathway. Findings suggest that greater infant negative emotionality predicts worse interparental conflict management during preschool age by undermining the mother's (but not the father's) report of coparenting relationship quality during toddlerhood. However, these results were significant only to the extent that parents were lacking certain prenatal regulatory resources (i.e., low paternal self-compassion; less secure relationship between parents). Importantly, results point to the need for intervention and prevention efforts during pregnancy that might disrupt the deleterious impacts of parenting a child who is more reactive and prone to expressing negative emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances C Calkins
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Seth D Finkelstein
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | | | - Rebecca L Brock
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
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2
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De Palma M, Rooney R, Izett E, Mancini V, Kane R. The relationship between parental mental health, reflective functioning coparenting and social emotional development in 0-3 year old children. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1054723. [PMID: 37325734 PMCID: PMC10267873 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1054723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The transition to parenthood is a high-risk period for many parents and is an important period for child development. Research has identified that parental mental health, reflective functioning (capacity to consider mental states of oneself and others) and coparenting (capacity to work together well as a parenting team) may be particularly significant predictors of later child outcomes, however these factors have seldom been considered together. The present study therefore aimed to investigate the relationship between these factors and the extent to which they predict child social emotional development. Methods Three hundred and fifty parents of infants aged 0 to 3 years 11 months were recruited to complete an online Qualtrics questionnaire. Results Results indicate that both positive coparenting and parental reflective functioning (Pre-mentalizing and Certainty subscales) were found to significantly predict child development. General reflective functioning (Uncertainty subscale) predicted parental depression and anxiety, however unexpectedly, parental mental health was not a significant predictor of child development, but did predict coparenting. General reflective functioning (Certainty subscale) was also found to predict coparenting, which in turn was found to predict parental reflective functioning. We found an indirect effect of general reflective functioning (Certainty) on child SE development via parental reflective functioning (Pre-mentalizing). We also found an indirect effect of negative coparenting on child development via parental reflective functioning (Pre-mentalizing). Discussion The current results support a growing body of research highlighting the important role reflective functioning plays in child development and wellbeing as well as parental mental health and the interparental relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia De Palma
- Discipline of Psychology, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Rosanna Rooney
- Discipline of Psychology, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Izett
- Discipline of Psychology, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Vincent Mancini
- Discipline of Psychology, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
- Division of Paediatrics, UWA Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Robert Kane
- Discipline of Psychology, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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3
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Darwiche J, Antonietti JP, Nunes CE, Favez N, Liekmeier E, de Roten Y. Couple therapy with parents: Results from a pragmatic randomized controlled trial testing the Integrative Brief Systemic Intervention (IBSI). JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2023; 49:351-369. [PMID: 36542777 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the Integrative Brief Systemic Intervention (IBSI), combining therapeutic work on marital and coparenting relationships with brief systemic therapy (BST-as-usual) for parent couples. Couples were randomly assigned to the IBSI (n = 51) or BST (n = 50). Both treatments were six-session interventions and lasted about 6 months. Questionnaires on individual, marital, coparenting and family-related functioning were completed before and after therapy, and at 6-month follow-up. A significant improvement in all areas of functioning was observed after treatment and maintained at follow-up for both IBSI and BST-as-usual treatments. No significant differences in outcomes were found between the treatments. Additionally, women reported more distress overall than men, and this distress was reduced more significantly after therapy. Last, BST-as-usual couples requested more additional sessions compared to IBSI couples. This study extends the literature on couple therapy with parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joëlle Darwiche
- Family and Development Research Center, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Philippe Antonietti
- Family and Development Research Center, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cindy Eira Nunes
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Favez
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Science, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Esther Liekmeier
- Family and Development Research Center, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yves de Roten
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychotherapy, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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4
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Nikrahan GR. Theory of brain complexity and marital behaviors: The application of complexity science and neuroscience to explain the complexities of marital behaviors. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1050164. [PMID: 36959907 PMCID: PMC10027753 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1050164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The extant theories on the quality and stability of marital relationships have some difficulties in explaining some of the complexities of marital behaviors. The present article is an initial attempt to explain the complexities of marital behaviors based on the science of complexity and neuroscience. This article proposes a new theoretical framework relying on this simple argument that marital behaviors, as one of the most complex human behaviors, are the product of one's brain's complex adaptive system (CAS). Hence, to understand the complexities of marital behaviors, a movement toward familiarity with the brain's CAS involved in marital behaviors needs to be started. The article presents the theory of brain complexity and marital behaviors (BCM) and outlines its assumptions, concepts, and propositions. Then, BCM is compared with the extant theories on happy and stable marriage, and finally, it was concluded by discussing the testability and the potential application of the theory. This article might inspire interdisciplinary studies of marital relationships, complex systems, and neuroscience and may have considerable practical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gholam Reza Nikrahan
- Department of Psychology, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
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5
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Examining the dyadic association between marital satisfaction and coparenting of parents with young children. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04363-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
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6
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Harris EA, Gormezano AM, van Anders SM. Gender Inequities in Household Labor Predict Lower Sexual Desire in Women Partnered with Men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:3847-3870. [PMID: 36112330 PMCID: PMC9483460 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02397-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Low sexual desire in women is usually studied as a problem, one that is located within women. However, other possibilities exist, including known gender inequities related to heteronormative gender roles. In this study, we provide the first test of the theory that heteronormativity is related to low sexual desire in women partnered with men, focusing specifically on inequities in the division of household labor. In two studies with women who were partnered with men and had children (Study 1, N = 677; Study 2, N = 396), performing a large proportion of household labor was associated with significantly lower sexual desire for a partner. Together, the results suggest that this association was mediated by both perceiving the partner as a dependent and perceiving the division of labor as unfair. These results support the heteronormativity theory of low sexual desire in women partnered with men, and show that gender inequities are important, though understudied, contributors to low desire in women partnered with men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Harris
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Aki M Gormezano
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, 62 Arch Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Sari M van Anders
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, 62 Arch Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.
- Department of Gender Studies, Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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7
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Olhaberry MP, León MJ, Coo S, Barrientos M, Pérez JC. An explanatory model of parental sensitivity in the mother-father-infant triad. Infant Ment Health J 2022; 43:714-729. [PMID: 35921446 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.22007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Quality of early family interactions has been associated with child development, bonding, and mental health. Childhood adversity, stress, and depression impact parenting, affecting the quality of the interaction within the mother-father-child triad. The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of parents' adverse childhood experiences, depressive symptoms, and parental stress, on their sensitive response toward their tooddler and quality of traidic interactions. A correlational cross-sectional method was used. The sample included 80 mother-father-child triads, of toddlers with social-emotional difficulties. Parents early adverse experiences, parental stress, and depressive symptoms were assessed through self-report measures. Observational measures on parental sensitivity and triadic interaction were used. For mothers and fathers, adverse childhood experiences were associated with depressive symptoms in adulthood. Sensitivity toward their child and stress were positively associated among both parents. Symptoms of depression in mothers were associated with lower sensitivity toward their child, but in fathers, their sensitive response was influenced by the level of parental stress in the mother. In both parents, greater sensitivity in the dyadic interaction with the child was associated with a higher quality of the triadic interactions, in the triad as a whole, and in the regulation and involvement of the child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia Paola Olhaberry
- Department of Psychology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Institute for Research on Depression and Personality (MIDAP), Santiago, Chile
| | - María José León
- Millennium Institute for Research on Depression and Personality (MIDAP), Santiago, Chile
| | - Soledad Coo
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad del Desarrollo (UDD), Santiago, Chile
| | | | - J Carola Pérez
- Millennium Institute for Research on Depression and Personality (MIDAP), Santiago, Chile.,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad del Desarrollo (UDD), Santiago, Chile
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8
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Mehta CM, LaRiviere K. “You Have Those Adult Responsibilities, But You’re Still Getting Your Feet on the Ground”: The Lived Experience of Established Adulthood. JOURNAL OF ADULT DEVELOPMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10804-022-09410-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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9
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Leal D, Gato J, Coimbra S, Tasker F, Tornello S. The Prospective Co-Parenting Relationship Scale (PCRS) for Sexual Minority and Heterosexual People: Preliminary Validation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19106345. [PMID: 35627882 PMCID: PMC9141784 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The coparenting relationship begins with a process of planning and negotiation about having children. Available psychological instruments have not been adapted to sexual minority people, which compromises their ecological validity. This mixed method study aimed to adapt and validate a prospective version of the Co-Parenting Relationship Scale in a Portuguese sample of sexual minority and heterosexual adults who did not have children and who were in a dyadic relationship. In study 1, cognitive interviews were used to gather participants’ reflections about the original items and the role played by the family of origin and anticipated stigma in coparenting (n = 6). In study 2, using a sample of individuals from 18 to 45 years old, two Exploratory Factor Analyses (EFA) were conducted separately for sexual minority (n = 167) and heterosexual persons (n = 198), and a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted for heterosexual persons (n = 176). Results showed underscored the importance of families of origin independent of sexual orientation. Different factorial structures for sexual minority and heterosexual persons were observed. Among sexual minority persons, the role of stigma was also highlighted. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Leal
- Center for Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal; (J.G.); (S.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jorge Gato
- Center for Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal; (J.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Susana Coimbra
- Center for Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal; (J.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Fiona Tasker
- Birkbeck University of London, London WC1E 7HX, UK;
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10
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Rossi MA, Impett EA, Dawson SJ, Vannier S, Kim J, Rosen NO. A Longitudinal Investigation of Couples' Sexual Growth and Destiny Beliefs in the Transition to Parenthood. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:1559-1575. [PMID: 35182284 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02267-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Beliefs about sexuality tend to become more salient during sexual challenges and are associated with how individuals respond to these difficulties and, in turn, their sexual well-being. The transition to parenthood is marked by significant changes to couples' sexuality. As such, this period of vulnerability may be an important context in which these beliefs impact how couples manage sexual stressors and may have implications for their sexual well-being. In a longitudinal dyadic study, we examined whether couples' sexual growth beliefs (e.g., beliefs that sexual problems can be resolved through effort) and sexual destiny beliefs (e.g., beliefs that sexual problems reflect incompatibility with their partner) correspond with changes to various facets of couples' sexual well-being over time. First-time parent couples (N = 203) completed online surveys assessing these beliefs in pregnancy (32 weeks) and measures of sexual well-being (satisfaction, desire, and distress) in pregnancy (20 and 32 weeks) and across the postpartum period (3, 6, 9, 12 months). Dyadic latent growth curve models showed that expectant mothers who reported stronger sexual destiny beliefs in pregnancy reported higher sexual distress and lower sexual satisfaction at 3 months postpartum. When partners reported stronger sexual destiny beliefs in pregnancy, both they and new mothers reported greater sexual desire at 3 months postpartum. Unexpectedly, partners' higher sexual growth beliefs in pregnancy predicted mothers' lower sexual desire at 3 months postpartum. Sexual growth and destiny beliefs were not associated with change in couples' sexual well-being beyond 3 months postpartum. Findings shed light on the potential benefits and costs of sexual growth and destiny beliefs for couples' sexual well-being early in the postpartum period, but not over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan A Rossi
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 4J1, Canada
| | - Emily A Impett
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Samantha J Dawson
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sarah Vannier
- Department of Psychology, St. Thomas University, Fredericton, NB, Canada
| | - James Kim
- Department of Psychology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Natalie O Rosen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 4J1, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada.
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11
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Rowley CA, Craft AL, Perry-Jenkins M. Parental Conflict in the Context of Multiethnoracial Relationships. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2022; 31:649-663. [PMID: 36213085 PMCID: PMC9544355 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-022-02249-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The percent of families with parents from different racial or ethnic backgrounds has risen exponentially in the last decades. Approximately 14% of children were born into multiethnoracial (MER) families in the United States in 2015, more than double the rate from 1980. Studies show that MER couples are more likely to separate or divorce than their monoethnoracial (MoER) counterparts. With the growing rates of MER couples, there has been increased interest and research addressing the unique benefits and challenges of being in a MER relationship. It is likely that the challenges that arise in MER families peak across the transition to parenthood when couples must negotiate how to merge their respective values, behaviors, and beliefs into a new family unit. Our study examines how the ethnoracial composition of couples (i.e., same versus different racial/ethnic backgrounds) predicts levels and increases in coparental conflict across early parenthood; and, in addition, the role of familial support as both a mediator and moderator of this relationship. We found that mothers in MER dyads report more coparenting conflict and lower familial support than their MoER counterparts across early parenthood. Additionally, fathers in MER dyads had marginally lower family support than their MoER counterparts predicting greater coparenting conflict across early parenthood. Identifying the processes linking couples' ethnoracial composition to the quality of family relationships could help inform parent interventions to better support MER parents across the transition to parenthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina A Rowley
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, 135 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003, United States of America
| | - Alexandrea L Craft
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, 135 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003, United States of America
| | - Maureen Perry-Jenkins
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, 135 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003, United States of America
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12
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Le Y, Fredman SJ, Marshall AD, Chow SM, McDaniel BT, Laurenceau JP, Feinberg ME. Relational impacts of capitalization in early parenthood. JOURNAL OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY : JFP : JOURNAL OF THE DIVISION OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY OF THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (DIVISION 43) 2022; 36:69-79. [PMID: 33764085 PMCID: PMC8463635 DOI: 10.1037/fam0000847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Relationship difficulties are common during the transition to parenthood and may persist for years. Strategies that enhance couples' daily relational experiences early in the parenting years may serve a protective role. In general, engaging in a capitalization attempt (i.e., sharing personal good news) with one's romantic partner and perceiving the partner to be responsive are associated with better relationship outcomes among committed couples. However, it is unknown whether these relational benefits extend to the early parenting years or to other relational domains such as coparenting, which plays a central role in family functioning. The current study examined same-day associations between couples' capitalization process and relationship closeness and perceived coparenting support in a dyadic context during the first year of parenthood. A subsample of primarily non-Hispanic White coresident mixed-gender couples who participated in a randomized controlled trial of a transition to parenthood program (N = 141) completed daily diaries at 10 months postpartum for 8 consecutive days. On days when mothers shared, both partners reported greater closeness. On days when fathers shared, mothers reported greater closeness and perceived coparenting support. Furthermore, perceived partner responsiveness was associated with greater closeness for both partners and greater coparenting support for fathers. Fathers also perceived greater closeness and coparenting support on days when mothers shared about the child. Findings highlight the potential benefits of capitalization in early parenthood for both closeness and perceived coparenting support and suggest that capitalization may be a low cost, high yield strategy for enhancing new parents' daily relational experiences. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunying Le
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami
| | - Steffany J. Fredman
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
| | | | - Sy-Miin Chow
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
| | - Brandon T. McDaniel
- Health Services and Informatics Research, Parkview Mirro Center for Research and Innovation
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Bäckström C, Rolfson T, Engström H, Knez R, Larsson M. Expecting parents’ perceptions of the digital parental support “childbirth journey” constructed as a serious game—an intervention study. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221097776. [PMID: 35603330 PMCID: PMC9118415 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221097776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to explore expecting parents’ perceptions of the Childbirth Journey as an intervention that includes medical information for parental support, constructed as a serious game. Methods In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were held with expecting parents in Sweden who were able to talk about specific parts of the Childbirth Journey they appreciated or found difficult to understand. A phenomenographic methodology was employed for data analysis. Results Participants perceived the Childbirth Journey to be easily accessible and customized with reliable information. The design and features of the intervention were perceived by the expecting parents to enhance the intervention’s usability, appeal, and trustworthiness. When parental couples used the Childbirth Journey together, it gave them an opportunity to discuss and better understand each other’s situation. The participants proposed several changes to the existing version of the game, mostly related to extending practical information and illustrated scenarios but also to the further development of the game’s design and animations. The participants found the Knowledge portal to be the most appealing part of the Childbirth Journey. Conclusions The Childbirth Journey intervention was concluded to be a valuable digital complement to in-person professional support, especially given the current COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in place in Sweden, which do not allow antenatal visits by partners. However, in its current form, the Childbirth Journey has some deficiencies and would therefore benefit from further development and exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Bäckström
- Research Group Family Centered Health (FamCeH), School of Health Sciences, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Tanja Rolfson
- Regionhälsan Midwifery Unit, Västra Götalandsregionen, Sweden
| | | | - Rajna Knez
- Research Group Family Centered Health (FamCeH), School of Health Sciences, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
- Skaraborgs Hospital, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Margaretha Larsson
- Research Group Family Centered Health (FamCeH), School of Health Sciences, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
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14
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Kim CY, Fredman SJ, Teti DM. Quality of coparenting and infant-mother attachment: The mediating role of maternal emotional availability. JOURNAL OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY : JFP : JOURNAL OF THE DIVISION OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY OF THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (DIVISION 43) 2021; 35:961-971. [PMID: 33793276 PMCID: PMC8478852 DOI: 10.1037/fam0000846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Increasing attention has been paid to the influence of family contextual factors in predicting infant attachment security. However, little is known about the influence of coparenting quality on attachment. The goal of the present study was to examine the associations among parental perceptions of coparenting quality, quality of mothering (as indexed by maternal emotional availability), and infant-mother attachment. Parental reports of positive and negative coparenting quality, maternal emotional availability, and infant-mother attachment were assessed in 152 infants and their parents at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postpartum. Direct and indirect effects were assessed within a structural equation modeling framework to examine: (a) direct effects of mother-reported coparenting on infant-mother attachment, (b) indirect effects of mother-reported coparenting on infant-mother attachment through maternal emotional availability, and (c) indirect effects of father-reported coparenting on infant-mother attachment through maternal emotional availability. Results indicated that there was an indirect, but not direct, association between mother-reported coparenting quality across the first year of life and infant-mother attachment at 1 year through maternal emotional availability across the first year. Father-reported coparenting across infants' first year was not associated with infant-mother attachment at 1 year. Post hoc analyses revealed that mothers' perceptions of coparenting at 1 month were indirectly linked to attachment at 1 year through maternal emotional availability across the first year. Findings highlight the importance of coparenting quality, especially in the early postpartum, in organizing quality of parenting and infant attachment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steffany J. Fredman
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
| | - Douglas M. Teti
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
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15
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Izett E, Rooney R, Prescott SL, De Palma M, McDevitt M. Prevention of Mental Health Difficulties for Children Aged 0-3 Years: A Review. Front Psychol 2021; 11:500361. [PMID: 34777074 PMCID: PMC8579481 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.500361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The period of infancy and early childhood is a critical time for interventions to prevent future mental health problems. The first signs of mental health difficulties can be manifest in infancy, emphasizing the importance of understanding and identifying both protective and risk factors in pregnancy and the early postnatal period. Parents are at a higher risk of developing mental health problems during the perinatal period. An understanding of the evidence around prevention and intervention for parental anxiety and depression is vital to the process of prevention of early mental health disorders in infants and young children. Here we review the existing prevention and treatment interventions in the early years focusing on the period from conception to 3 years - the majority targeting parents in order to improve their mental health, and that of their infants. Elements of successful programs for parents include psychoeducation and practical skills training, as well as work on the co-parenting relationship, developing secure attachment, and enhancing parental reflective functioning. While both targeted and universal programs have produced strong effect sizes, universal programs have the added benefit of reaching people who may otherwise not have sought treatment. In synthesizing this information, our goal is to inform the development of integrated models for prevention and novel early intervention programs as early in life as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Izett
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Rosanna Rooney
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Susan L. Prescott
- The ORIGINS Project, Telethon Kids Institute and the Division of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Mia De Palma
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Maryanne McDevitt
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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McKinley CE, Liddell J, Lilly J. All Work and No Play: Indigenous Women "Pulling the Weight" in Home Life. THE SOCIAL SERVICE REVIEW 2021; 95:278-311. [PMID: 34334828 PMCID: PMC8321394 DOI: 10.1086/714551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The invisible labor of household management, including child care, housework, and financial responsibilities, is a contemporary form of historical oppression adding strain and contributing to mothers' role overload, depression, distress, and health impairments. The purpose of this article is to use the Framework of Historical Oppression, Resilience, and Transcendence to understand the experiences of gender dynamics in home life responsibilities among two Southeastern tribes. Reconstructive analysis from a critical ethnography with 436 participants revealed the following themes: (1) moms "mostly pulling the weight"; (2) women and child care: "We do it all," and men-"If they're there, they're there"; (3) financial imbalances; and (4) women's resilience and resistance. Despite experiencing the resilience of gender egalitarianism prior to colonization, women persistently experience the effects of the historical oppression of patriarchal colonialism through being overburdened and undervalued in home life. Decolonization is needed to re-establish gender egalitarianism to redress this patriarchal oppression.
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Liekmeier E, Darwiche J, Pinna L, Repond AS, Antonietti JP. Affective Behavior in Parent Couples Undergoing Couple Therapy: Contrasting Case Studies. Front Psychol 2021; 12:634276. [PMID: 33815220 PMCID: PMC8015940 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.634276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Being in a romantic relationship is characterized by a high degree of intimacy and affective involvement. Affective behavior indicates the emotional content in couple interactions and therefore promotes an understanding of the evolution of romantic relationships. When couples are also parents, their affective behavior reflects their romantic and coparental bonds. In this paper, we present an observation of parent couples' affective behavior during a coparenting conflict discussion task to document whether and how much it improved during couple therapy. Two contrasting cases of affective behavior change are included. Observational coding of affective behavior within pre- and post-intervention coparenting conflict discussion tasks was carried out to compute means and CIs for each partner in both cases. In addition, the partners' coparental and romantic satisfaction were evaluated through validated self-report questionnaires in pre- and post-intervention assessments; this helped document whether the partners' coparental and romantic satisfaction were dissimilar between the two cases. Finally, a clinical analysis of both cases was realized with the contribution of the therapists to investigate possible differences within therapy sessions. Statistical analyses revealed negative means of affective behavior for couple A in the pre-intervention assessment and positive means in the post-intervention assessment. Partners from couple B had negative means of affective behavior in the pre- and post-intervention assessments. Results concerning coparental and romantic satisfaction differed: Couple A's coparental satisfaction slightly increased and the romantic satisfaction somewhat decreased, whereas couple B's coparental satisfaction remained stable and the romantic satisfaction slightly increased between the pre- and post-intervention assessments. The clinical analysis revealed that the interactional quality of couple A slightly improved within therapy sessions and that both partners succeeded in working together as coparents, notwithstanding their romantic distress. Couple B conveyed coparental distress and exhibited poor interactional quality throughout therapy sessions (e.g., repeated criticism and contempt). This study contributes to enriching the more traditional empirical research methods in the field of couple psychotherapy, as it takes into account microlevel affective changes within parent couples' interactions in addition to self-reported data. Furthermore, the analysis of therapy sessions supports the importance of working with affective behavior in couple therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Liekmeier
- Family and Development Research Center (FADO), Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joëlle Darwiche
- Family and Development Research Center (FADO), Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lara Pinna
- PROFA Foundation, Couples and Sexology Counseling Service, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Sylvie Repond
- PROFA Foundation, Couples and Sexology Counseling Service, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Philippe Antonietti
- Family and Development Research Center (FADO), Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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18
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Downes N, Lichtlé J, Lamore K, Orêve MJ, Cappe E. Couples' Experiences of Parenting a Child After an Autism Diagnosis: A Qualitative Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 51:2697-2710. [PMID: 33067696 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04744-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
After a child is diagnosed with autism, parents' relationships are impacted as they reorganize their daily lives to support their child's specific needs. A better understanding of parenting couples' adaptation is needed to accompany them during this period. This qualitative study explored couples' experiences after their child's autism diagnosis. An inductive thematic analysis among ten couple interviews (N = 20) revealed three key themes: emotional experiences, external support, and adaptation. Overall, the quality of couples' relationships before having a child influenced their relationship after the diagnosis. In general, parents presented complementary coparenting roles, while different opinions about how to raise the child strained their relationship. Helping parents adapt to a diagnosis together could prove to be important for future interventions and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Downes
- Université de Paris, LPPS, F-92100, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Jérôme Lichtlé
- Université de Paris, LPPS, F-92100, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | | | - Marie-Joëlle Orêve
- Service de Psychiatrie Infanto-Juvénile, Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, 78150, Le Chesnay, France
| | - Emilie Cappe
- Université de Paris, LPPS, F-92100, Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
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Lidbeck M, Bernhardsson S. What happens to the couple relationship when sharing parental leave? A prospective, longitudinal study. Scand J Psychol 2020; 62:95-103. [PMID: 32997358 PMCID: PMC7821291 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Lidbeck
- Region Västra Götaland, Maternal & Child Health Care, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Region Västra Götaland, Research and Development Primary Health Care, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Susanne Bernhardsson
- Region Västra Götaland, Research and Development Primary Health Care, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Unit of Physiotherapy, University of Gothenburg, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden
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20
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Olsavsky AL, Yan J, Schoppe-Sullivan SJ, Kamp Dush CM. New Fathers' Perceptions of Dyadic Adjustment: The Roles of Maternal Gatekeeping and Coparenting Closeness. FAMILY PROCESS 2020; 59:571-585. [PMID: 30968407 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Although the association between maternal gatekeeping and relationship functioning has been explored by a few studies, none of these have focused on fathers' perceptions of these constructs. Given that today's new fathers are challenged by elevated expectations for active parenting and coparenting even as most new mothers remain primary caregivers of infant children, this is a critical omission. This study examined the associations between new fathers' perceptions of maternal gatekeeping and change in dyadic adjustment as mediated through coparenting closeness. Maternal gatekeeping was reported by 182 fathers at 3 months postpartum, coparenting closeness was reported at 3 and 6 months postpartum, and dyadic adjustment was reported during the third trimester of pregnancy and at 9 months postpartum. Fathers' perceptions of relative change in coparenting closeness from 3 to 6 months mediated associations between fathers' perceptions of maternal gatekeeping at 3 months and relative change in dyadic adjustment from the third trimester to 9 months postpartum. In particular, findings indicate that greater perceived maternal gate opening was associated with higher levels of dyadic adjustment through higher levels of coparenting closeness, whereas greater perceived maternal gate closing was associated with lower levels of dyadic adjustment through lower levels of coparenting closeness. This study highlights the importance of studying fathers in the context of the family system and the role of the coparenting relationship at the transition to parenthood in couple relationship functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Olsavsky
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Jia Yan
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
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21
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Lamela D, Figueiredo B, Jongenelen I, Morais A, Simpson JA. Coparenting and Relationship Satisfaction in Mothers: The Moderating Role of Sociosexuality. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:861-870. [PMID: 31897833 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01548-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the moderating effect of sociosexual orientation on the association between coparenting alliance/coparenting conflict and relationship satisfaction in mothers in a romantic relationship. Sociosexuality is defined as a personality trait that reflects the individual difference in willingness to engage in uncommitted sexual relations. The study examined a community sample of 635 Portuguese mothers with a monogamous heterosexual relationship. Data on coparenting, relationship satisfaction, and sociosexual orientation were collected. The results revealed the moderating effect of sociosexuality on the significant associations between both coparenting alliance and coparenting conflict predicting relationship satisfaction. For the association between coparenting alliance and relationship satisfaction, mothers with a more restricted sociosexual orientation reported the highest levels of satisfaction when their coparenting alliance was high, but the lowest levels of satisfaction when coparenting alliance was low. For the association between coparenting conflict and relationship satisfaction, mothers with a more restricted sociosexual orientation reported the highest levels of satisfaction when their coparenting conflict was low, but the lowest levels when coparenting conflict was high. Together, the results suggest that especially for women with a more restricted sociosexual orientation, coparenting quality explains significant interindividual variability in relationship satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Lamela
- Digital Human-Environment Interaction Lab, Lusófona, University of Porto, Rua Augusto Rosa 24, 4900-098, Porto, Portugal.
| | | | - Inês Jongenelen
- Digital Human-Environment Interaction Lab, Lusófona, University of Porto, Rua Augusto Rosa 24, 4900-098, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Morais
- Digital Human-Environment Interaction Lab, Lusófona, University of Porto, Rua Augusto Rosa 24, 4900-098, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jeffry A Simpson
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Tomfohr-Madsen LM, Giesbrecht GF, Madsen JW, MacKinnon A, Le Y, Doss B. Improved Child Mental Health Following Brief Relationship Enhancement and Co-Parenting Interventions During the Transition to Parenthood. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E766. [PMID: 31991755 PMCID: PMC7038182 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17030766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The transition to parenthood has been identified as a significant relationship stressor. Many couples report declines in relationship satisfaction and difficulty with individual stress and co-parenting-problems that have been associated with both child temperament as well as emotional and behavioral problems. Several parenting and relationship interventions have been developed to buffer against these difficulties. In the current study, we report secondary analyses of a randomized controlled trial of brief (6-hr) interventions that focused on improving either relationship satisfaction or co-parenting, delivered during pregnancy and the early postpartum period. In this trial, 90 opposite-sex couples (180 participants), who were pregnant with their first child, and were assessed as being at high risk for declines in relationship satisfaction, were randomized to receive either (1) a relationship intervention, (2) a co-parenting intervention, or (3) an information control. At 12 months postpartum, couples who received either the relationship or co-parenting intervention rated their infants as having lower negative emotionality and as having fewer externalizing symptoms compared to the information-only control. Lower externalizing symptoms at 12 months were, in turn, associated with reduced externalizing symptoms at 24 months postpartum. Whereas, lower ratings of child negative emotionality at 12 months were associated with reduced internalizing symptoms at 24 months postpartum. These results indicate that brief relationship or co-parenting interventions delivered during the transition to parenthood have secondary benefits for child mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianne M. Tomfohr-Madsen
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (G.F.G.); (J.W.M.); (A.M.)
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Gerald F. Giesbrecht
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (G.F.G.); (J.W.M.); (A.M.)
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Joshua W. Madsen
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (G.F.G.); (J.W.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Anna MacKinnon
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (G.F.G.); (J.W.M.); (A.M.)
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Yunying Le
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33124, USA; (Y.L.); (B.D.)
| | - Brian Doss
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33124, USA; (Y.L.); (B.D.)
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Abstract
Zusammenfassung. Die Qualität der elterlichen Partnerschaft und des Coparenting zählen zu den wichtigsten familiären Schutzfaktoren für die kindliche Entwicklung, wobei sie vielschichtig zusammenhängen. Aufgrund der unterschiedlichen Familiensysteme und -beziehungen könnten sich diese Zusammenhänge zwischen Kern-, Trennungs- und Stieffamilien unterscheiden, was bislang noch kaum untersucht wurde. Diese Übersichtsarbeit vergleicht Studien zum Zusammenhang zwischen Partnerschaftsqualität und Coparenting in verschiedenen Familienformen. Deskriptiv unterscheidet sich die Stärke des Zusammenhangs kaum zwischen Kern- und Trennungsfamilien, während in Stieffamilien ein tendenziell schwächerer Zusammenhang besteht. Allerdings konnte eine Varianzanalyse keine signifikanten Unterschiede nachweisen. Der Beitrag diskutiert die Rolle der Paarbeziehung und des Coparenting in verschiedenen Familienformen und die praktische Bedeutung ihres Zusammenspiels für die kindliche Entwicklung.
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deMontigny F, Gervais C, Pierce T, Lavigne G. Perceived Paternal Involvement, Relationship Satisfaction, Mothers' Mental Health and Parenting Stress: A Multi-Sample Path Analysis. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:578682. [PMID: 33240130 PMCID: PMC7667046 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.578682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Research has demonstrated the short- and long-term impacts of maternal mental health and well-being on children's emotional and behavioral outcomes. It is thus important to better understand the antecedents of maternal depression and stress. The aim of this study was to determine whether the contribution of perceived paternal involvement to account for mothers' depression and parental stress was mediated by relationship factors such as parenting alliance and dyadic adjustment. A second aim was to determine whether these relationships hold equally true in mothers of infants and young toddlers (0-24 months) and mothers of older children (25 months and older). Cross-sectional data were collected from 447 mothers. Mothers reported on their perceptions of paternal involvement with childcare responsibilities, dyadic adjustment, parenting alliance, parenting stress, and depression. Multi-sample path modeling analyses were conducted. Results revealed that perceived paternal involvement was positively related to both dyadic adjustment and parental alliance, that parenting alliance was negatively related to all three subscales of parenting stress and mothers' depression but that dyadic adjustment was negatively related to parenting distress (one subscale of parenting stress) and mothers' depression. Results from the multi-sample analyses indicated that the pattern of relationships was the same in the two groups, but that the model was not invariant. The most notable difference was that parenting alliance did not significantly account for depression in the mothers of younger children. Correlates of maternal mental health and well-being identified in this study could be useful when designing psychological interventions for mothers and fathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francine deMontigny
- Laboratory at the Heart of Families, Department of Nursing Science, Center of Research and Studies in Family Intervention, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Christine Gervais
- Laboratory at the Heart of Families, Department of Nursing Science, Center of Research and Studies in Family Intervention, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Tamarha Pierce
- Department of Psychology, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Geneviève Lavigne
- Center of Research and Studies in Family Intervention, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
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Volling BL, Cabrera NJ, Feinberg ME, Jones DE, McDaniel BT, Liu S, Almeida D, Lee JK, Schoppe-Sullivan SJ, Feng X, Gerhardt ML, Dush CMK, Stevenson MM, Safyer P, Gonzalez R, Lee JY, Piskernik B, Ahnert L, Karberg E, Malin J, Kuhns C, Fagan J, Kaufman R, Dyer WJ, Parke RD, Cookston JT. Advancing Research and Measurement on Fathering and Child Development. Monogr Soc Res Child Dev 2019; 84:7-160. [PMID: 31034620 DOI: 10.1111/mono.12404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Fathers are more than social accidents. Research has demonstrated that fathers matter to children's development. Despite noted progress, challenges remain on how best to conceptualize and assess fathering and father-child relationships. The current monograph is the result of an SRCD-sponsored meeting of fatherhood scholars brought together to discuss these challenges and make recommendations for best practices for incorporating fathers in studies on parenting and children's development. The first aim of this monograph was to provide a brief update on the current state of research on fathering and to lay out a developmental ecological systems perspective as a conceptual framework for understanding the different spaces fathers inhabit in their children's lives. Because there is wide variability in fathers' roles, the ecological systems perspective situates fathers, mothers, children, and other caregivers within an evolving network of interrelated social relationships in which children and their parents change over time and space (e.g., residence). The second aim was to present examples of empirical studies conducted by members of the international working group that highlighted different methods, data collection, and statistical analyses used to capture the variability in father-child relationships. The monograph ends with a commentary that elaborates on the ecological systems framework with a discussion of the broader macrosystem and social-contextual influences that impinge on fathers and their children. The collection of articles contributes to research on father-child relationships by advancing theory and presenting varied methods and analysis strategies that assist in understanding the father-child relationship and its impact on child development.
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Lavner JA, Barton AW, Beach SRH. Improving Couples' Relationship Functioning Leads to Improved Coparenting: A Randomized Controlled Trial With Rural African American Couples. Behav Ther 2019; 50:1016-1029. [PMID: 31735238 PMCID: PMC6866661 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Family-centered prevention programs for couples with children are being increasingly disseminated, with the hope that improving couples' romantic relationships will lead to other benefits for families. To date, however, it is unclear whether these interventions do in fact yield these benefits. The current study addressed this gap by examining whether postintervention improvements in couples' relationship functioning following family-centered prevention predicted longer-term change in coparenting, and whether postintervention improvements in coparenting predicted longer-term change in relationship functioning. We used four waves of data collected over 2 years from 346 rural African American couples with an early adolescent child who participated in a randomized controlled trial of the Protecting Strong African American Families (ProSAAF) program, an intervention designed to promote strong couple, coparenting, and parent-child relationships in two-parent African American families. Results indicated that ProSAAF had significant short-term positive effects on both romantic relationship functioning and coparenting and that these effects did not differ in magnitude. Over time, however, only romantic relationship functioning postintervention was positively associated with long-term changes in coparenting; coparenting postintervention was not associated with long-term changes in relationship functioning and this association was significantly weaker than the other pathway. These findings support a key premise underlying relationship enhancement programs for parents, indicating that improving couples' romantic relationship functioning can have longer-term benefits for the coparenting relationship as well. Further research examining long-term parent, child, and family outcomes following family-centered prevention for couples and the mechanisms of change underlying these outcomes is needed.
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Persram R, Scirocco A, Della Porta S, Howe N. Moving Beyond the Dyad: Broadening Our Understanding of Family Conflict. Hum Dev 2019. [DOI: 10.1159/000501880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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28
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Longitudinal Associations Among Marital Conflict, Co-Parenting, and Children's Internalizing and Externalizing Problem Behaviors. ADONGHAKOEJI 2019. [DOI: 10.5723/kjcs.2019.40.4.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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29
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Beard E, Honey A, Hancock N, Awram R, Miceli M, Mayes R. What roles do male partners play in the mothering experiences of women living with mental illness? A qualitative secondary analysis. BMC Psychiatry 2019; 19:229. [PMID: 31345175 PMCID: PMC6659238 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-019-2209-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mothers who live with mental illness face diverse challenges. Research suggests that partner support or otherwise is likely to have a crucial influence on mothers' abilities to manage these challenges, yet little is known about how this plays out. In this study, we aimed to explore the roles played by male partners in the mothering experiences of women living with mental illness. METHODS We conducted a qualitative secondary analysis using interview data collected from 18 participants in two previous qualitative studies. Both studies focused on the mothering experiences of women who lived with mental illness. In both studies, the importance of male partners was striking. The data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. RESULTS The roles of partners in women's experiences of mothering were multiple and dynamic, with each male partner playing a unique combination of roles. These included: facilitator; teammate; unfulfilled potential; distraction; dismantler, and threat to child. Roles were influenced by: mothers' interpretations; partners' behaviors, characteristics and circumstances; the family's living and custody arrangements; mothers' active management strategies; and a range of external controls and supports. CONCLUSIONS Health professionals need to consider the complex roles partners play. This crucial aspect of mothers' social environments can be optimized by directly supporting and enabling partners themselves, and by supporting mothers to actively shape their partners' roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Beard
- 0000 0004 1936 834Xgrid.1013.3The University of Sydney, 75 East Street, Lidcombe, NSW 2141 Australia
| | - Anne Honey
- The University of Sydney, 75 East Street, Lidcombe, NSW, 2141, Australia.
| | - Nicola Hancock
- 0000 0004 1936 834Xgrid.1013.3The University of Sydney, 75 East Street, Lidcombe, NSW 2141 Australia
| | - Ruby Awram
- 0000 0004 1936 834Xgrid.1013.3The University of Sydney, 75 East Street, Lidcombe, NSW 2141 Australia
| | - Melissa Miceli
- 0000 0004 1936 834Xgrid.1013.3The University of Sydney, 75 East Street, Lidcombe, NSW 2141 Australia
| | - Rachel Mayes
- 0000 0004 1936 834Xgrid.1013.3The University of Sydney, 75 East Street, Lidcombe, NSW 2141 Australia
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Eastwick PW, Finkel EJ, Simpson JA. Relationship Trajectories: A Meta-Theoretical Framework and Theoretical Applications. PSYCHOLOGICAL INQUIRY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/1047840x.2019.1577072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul W. Eastwick
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Eli J. Finkel
- Department of Psychology and Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
| | - Jeffry A. Simpson
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Gao MM, Cummings EM. Understanding parent-child relationship as a developmental process: Fluctuations across days and changes over years. Dev Psychol 2019; 55:1046-1058. [PMID: 30652887 PMCID: PMC6465110 DOI: 10.1037/dev0000680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Toward advancing the understanding of relations among family relationships when children transition into adolescence, this study investigated whether parent-child relationship (PCR) quality assessed at the daily level changed developmentally and/or fluctuated due to daily experiences. Specifically, this study examined (a) whether parents' daily perceptions of marital relationship (MR) quality were associated with their own and/or their partners' PCR on the same day and the following day, and (b) whether relations among these daily influences changed over a 2-year period as children developed. Participants recruited included 237 2-parent families with preadolescent or adolescent children (52% girls). Both fathers and mothers completed daily diaries about MR and PCR for 15 consecutive days each year for 3 consecutive years. Results indicated that daily PCR did not change developmentally but was subject to day-to-day variations based on parents' daily MR: parents' distressed MR was related to their own lower emotional quality in PCR on the same day (supporting the spillover hypothesis), but higher emotional quality in PCR on the next day (supporting the compensatory hypothesis). Compensatory association was also found between father-reported average MR and mother-reported daily PCR. Furthermore, the same-day spillover and cross-day compensatory effects tended to decrease developmentally, as children transitioned into adolescence. The findings illustrated the interdependent, changing, and dynamic patterns of family relationships and underscored the importance of differentiating between father-child and mother-child relationship. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
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Tan CC, Lumeng JC, Miller AL. Development and preliminary validation of a feeding coparenting scale (FCS). Appetite 2019; 139:152-158. [PMID: 31039372 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2019.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Evidence is growing that fathers, along with mothers, play an important role in children's eating and obesity risk. Qualitative work with a small sample found that the roles of fathers and mothers are not mutually exclusive in shaping their child's eating behaviors, rather fathers and mothers may relate to one another in their roles as parents in food parenting (i.e., feeding coparenting). There is currently no self-reported measure of how fathers and mothers coparent around child feeding. However, it would be useful in order to be able to assess this construct more broadly. Hence, based on prior qualitative work and findings related to the roles of fathers and mothers in food parenting, we developed a feeding coparenting scale (FCS). Parent responses on the FCS and measures of related constructs (i.e., relationship satisfaction, traditional gender-role attitudes, general coparenting, and perceived involvement in child feeding tasks) that were hypothesized to relate to feeding coparenting were assessed among 307 parents (n = 178 females) of preschool-aged children through Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) in order to examine the validity and reliability of the FCS. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted to examine the psychometric properties of the FCS. Three factors emerged: 1) shared positive views and values in child feeding, 2) active engagement in child feeding, and 3) solo parenting in child feeding. A total feeding coparenting score was also calculated. Support for construct validity of the measure with constructs hypothesized to be associated with FCS (e.g., relationship satisfaction) was observed. The internal consistency of the FCS total and subscales was adequate for whole sample, fathers, and mothers. Results suggest that the FCS may be a useful tool for assessing how mothers and fathers work together with each other in the child feeding domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cin Cin Tan
- Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Toledo, USA.
| | - Julie C Lumeng
- Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, USA
| | - Alison L Miller
- Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan, USA; Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, USA
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Le Y, Fredman SJ, McDaniel BT, Laurenceau JP, Feinberg ME. Cross-day influences between couple closeness and coparenting support among new parents. JOURNAL OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY : JFP : JOURNAL OF THE DIVISION OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY OF THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (DIVISION 43) 2019; 33:360-369. [PMID: 30570281 PMCID: PMC6449211 DOI: 10.1037/fam0000489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The couple and coparenting relationships are demonstrated to be prospectively and bidirectionally associated over months to years during the early parenting years. However, little is known about these associations at the daily level within the first year of parenthood, when coparenting first emerges. The goal of the current study was to examine the association between couples' daily feelings of relationship closeness and coparenting support in first-time parents and determine directionality of these effects using a dyadic daily diary design. At 10 months postpartum, heterosexual couples (N = 141 dyads) completed daily diaries for 8 consecutive days. An autoregressive cross-lagged model was incorporated within an Actor Partner Interdependence Modeling framework to examine at the daily level: (a) within-person cross-day associations between relationship closeness and coparenting support, (b) cross-partner cross-day associations within relationship closeness and coparenting support, (c) cross-partner cross-day associations between relationship closeness and coparenting support, and (d) gender differences in these associations. Results revealed a prospective, within person bidirectional link between daily relationship closeness and perceived coparenting support for both mothers and fathers. Additionally, an indirect effect from mothers' experiences of coparenting support to fathers' relationship closeness through fathers' experiences of coparenting support was found at the daily level. Findings highlight the interdependent nature of the couple and coparenting relationship at the daily level during the first year of parenthood and suggest that mothers' feeling supported by their coparenting partners may facilitate a "virtuous cycle" between coparenting support and relationship closeness early in the coparenting relationship. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunying Le
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies
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Feinberg ME, Jones DE, McDaniel BT, Liu S, Almeida D. Chapter II: New Fathers' and Mothers' Daily Stressors and Resources Influence Parent Adjustment and Family Relationships. Monogr Soc Res Child Dev 2019; 84:18-34. [PMID: 31404460 PMCID: PMC6689228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
To understand new fathers' experiences and well-being, we examine links between fathers and their partners' replenishing and stressful daily experiences-exercise, sleep, work, chores, general stress, and parenting stress-and their own and their partners' well-being and family relations. Fathers and mothers of ten-month old infants (N=143/140 mothers/fathers) in the U.S. reported on daily experiences for eight consecutive days. Results of multilevel models indicated that more replenishing and fewer stressful daily experiences were generally linked to more parent happiness, better couple relations, and greater closeness with the infant. Several gender differences also emerged that may reflect different stress and coping processes or different social roles for mothers and fathers; most striking was that on days that fathers spent more time on chores, mothers reported greater couple closeness but fathers reported more arguments. This exploration of new parents' daily experiences demonstrates the value of the method to generate intervention-relevant insights, as well as the importance of examining fathers' (and mothers') experiences in the context of couple-level dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Feinberg
- Bennet Pierce Prevention Research Center, Penn State University
| | - Damon E Jones
- Bennet Pierce Prevention Research Center, Penn State University
| | - Brandon T McDaniel
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Illinois State University
| | - Siwei Liu
- Department of Human Development, University of California-Davis
| | - David Almeida
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State University
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McDaniel BT, Teti DM, Feinberg ME. Predicting coparenting quality in daily life in mothers and fathers. JOURNAL OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY : JFP : JOURNAL OF THE DIVISION OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY OF THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (DIVISION 43) 2018; 32:904-914. [PMID: 30035572 PMCID: PMC6205919 DOI: 10.1037/fam0000443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to examine contextual (daily relationship quality, daily stressors, daily work hours), parent (daily negative emotions, gender), and child factors (daily child-induced parenting stress) as predictors of mothers' and fathers' perceptions of daily coparenting quality. Mothers and fathers from 174 families completed a 14-day diary study. Utilizing multilevel modeling, our results suggest that daily coparenting is multidetermined. Indeed, daily fluctuations in coparenting were predicted by similar daily fluctuations in couple relationship quality, parent negative mood, parenting stress, and father work hours. Moreover, as daily risk factors accumulated the quality of daily coparenting deteriorated further, suggesting that a buildup of stressors and daily difficulties may be particularly detrimental to parents' abilities to cooperate with one another and coordinate their parenting together on a daily basis. Overall, our results suggest that there are many avenues through which we can intervene in the family system to improve the quality of daily coparenting. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Douglas M. Teti
- The Pennsylvania State University, 119 Health and Human Development Bldg., University Park, PA 16802
| | - Mark E. Feinberg
- The Pennsylvania State University, 314 Biobehavioral Health Bldg., University Park, PA 16802
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Williams DT. Parental Depression and Cooperative Coparenting: A Longitudinal and Dyadic Approach. FAMILY RELATIONS 2018; 67:253-269. [PMID: 29887656 PMCID: PMC5987554 DOI: 10.1111/fare.12308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between parental depression and cooperative coparenting among couples over the first 5 years after a birth. BACKGROUND Previous research has considered how depression affects coparenting but has not focused on the association as a longitudinal and dyadic process. Understanding coparenting is important as it is linked to parents' and children's well-being. METHOD Data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing (FFCW) study were analyzed using actor-partner interdependence models. The FFCW follows families and their children as part of a birth cohort of children who were born in large urban cities of the United States in the late 1990s. RESULTS The actor-partner interdependence models indicated that (a) parents' depression is associated with decreased coparenting perceptions for both mothers and fathers, and the effects endure over time; (b) fathers' depression was also associated with mothers' perceptions of cooperative coparenting over the later years; and (c) differences between mothers and fathers emerged only during the early years, with the effect of depression on coparenting being larger for fathers than mothers. CONCLUSION The results not only highlight the importance of both parents' mental health on coparenting but also the added role that fathers' depression plays in shaping their own and their partners' perceptions of coparenting. IMPLICATIONS Policy makers and family practitioners who are invested in building healthy families may find it valuable to screen for and treat mental illness in the context of creating programs to increase cooperative coparenting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deadric T Williams
- Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 715 Oldfather Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588
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Jones D, Feinberg M, Hostetler M, Roettger M, Paul IM, Ehrenthal DB. Family and Child Outcomes 2 Years After a Transition to Parenthood Intervention. FAMILY RELATIONS 2018; 67:270-286. [PMID: 30140113 PMCID: PMC6101046 DOI: 10.1111/fare.12309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the impact from Family Foundations, a transition-to-parenting intervention, on parent and child outcomes 2 years after birth. BACKGROUND Couples transitioning to parenthood face many stressors and challenges that are not typically addressed through commonly available childbirth preparatory classes. The Family Foundations program was designed for couples expecting their first child and addresses family stressors related to coparenting, parenting, and mental health. METHOD The recruited sample of 399 couples expecting their first child were randomly assigned to intervention or control conditions. Data were obtained through home observation and parent surveys before and after intervention. RESULTS Intent-to-treat analyses indicated effects on several targeted domains including coparenting, parenting, and relationship quality, as well as on child sleep habits and internalizing behavior problems at 2 years of age. Effects for several outcomes were larger for those couples at greater risk based on pretest observed negative dyadic communication styles. CONCLUSION Longer term impact found here on parent and child outcomes provides new evidence of the effectiveness of this program for first-time parents. IMPLICATIONS Programs directed toward broader issues related to aspects of coparenting, parenting, and mental health have the potential to have longer term positive impact on the couples and the developing child.
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"Technoference" and Implications for Mothers' and Fathers' Couple and Coparenting Relationship Quality. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2017; 80:303-313. [PMID: 31649418 DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2017.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Technology devices are widely used today, creating opportunities to connect and communicate with distant others while also potentially disrupting communication and interactions between those who are physically present (i.e., technoference or phubbing). These disruptions in couple and coparenting relationships have the potential to negatively impact relationship outcomes. In this two-part study of 182 married/cohabiting couples from the Daily Family Life Project and 239 couples from the Couple Well-Being Project, we examined the role of technoference in couple and coparenting relationship quality and potential gender differences utilizing dyadic data. We found that greater technoference related to greater conflict over technology use, and greater conflict predicted lower relationship satisfaction and poorer perceptions of coparenting quality (Study 1). Using a more diverse sample (Study 2), we again found support for the main pathways tested in our first study, suggesting that results found in Study 1 and in previous work are not artifacts of sampling. As satisfaction, support, and agreement among relationship partners and parents are often critical to relationship health and family cohesion, it is important for couples and families to evaluate, monitor, and be willing to adapt their technology usage patterns so that these patterns do not cause conflict and possibly relationship deterioration over time.
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Kuo PX, Volling BL, Gonzalez R. His, hers, or theirs? Coparenting after the birth of a second child. JOURNAL OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY : JFP : JOURNAL OF THE DIVISION OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY OF THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (DIVISION 43) 2017; 31:710-720. [PMID: 28368201 PMCID: PMC5608629 DOI: 10.1037/fam0000321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This study examined changes in coparenting after the birth of a second child. Mothers and fathers from 241 2-parent families reported on their spouses' coparenting cooperation and conflict with their firstborn children before (prenatal) and 4 months after the birth of a second child. Parents completed prenatal questionnaires on their gender-role attitudes, marital satisfaction, and firstborn children's temperamental characteristics. Parents also reported on their second-born infants' temperaments at 1 month of age. Coparenting conflict increased across the transition, and cooperation decreased. Couples in which fathers reported greater marital satisfaction were more cooperative 4 months after the second birth. Firstborns' difficult temperaments contributed to less cooperative coparenting by both parents. When mothers had more traditional gender-role beliefs, fathers engaged in more conflictual coparenting behavior, and when fathers had more traditional gender-role beliefs, mothers engaged in more conflictual coparenting behavior. Mothers, but not fathers, engaged in more coparenting conflict regarding the firstborn when both the firstborn and infant sibling had difficult temperaments. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Patty X. Kuo
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 530 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Brenda L. Volling
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 530 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan, 300 North Ingalls, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Richard Gonzalez
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 530 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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Leavitt CE, McDaniel BT, Maas MK, Feinberg ME. Parenting Stress and Sexual Satisfaction Among First-time Parents: A Dyadic Approach. SEX ROLES 2017; 76:346-355. [PMID: 29479133 PMCID: PMC5823519 DOI: 10.1007/s11199-016-0623-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The present paper reports on longitudinal associations between parenting stress and sexual satisfaction among 169 heterosexual couples in the first year after the birth of a first child. Actor Partner Interdependence Modeling (APIM) was used to model the effects of the mother's and father's parenting stress at 6 months after birth on sexual satisfaction at one year after birth. Based on social constructivist theory and scarcity theory, two hypotheses were posed: (a) mothers' parenting stress will predict their own later sexual satisfaction whereas fathers' parenting stress will not predict their own later sexual satisfaction (actor effects) and (b) mothers' parenting stress will predict fathers' later sexual satisfaction but fathers' parenting stress will not predict mothers' later sexual satisfaction (partner effects). On average, parents were only somewhat satisfied with their sex life. The first hypothesis was supported as greater parenting stress significantly predicted lower sexual satisfaction for mothers but not for fathers. The second hypothesis was also supported as mothers' greater parenting stress significantly predicted less sexual satisfaction in fathers, whereas fathers' parenting stress did not significantly predict mothers' sexual satisfaction. We discuss how our results may be interpreted considering the social construction of gendered family roles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Megan K Maas
- HDFS Department, The Pennsylvania State University
| | - Mark E Feinberg
- Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University
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