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Published on: September 19, 2019
Changes in relationship satisfaction across the transition to parenthood: a meta-analysis
Danielle M Mitnick1, Richard E Heyman, Amy M Smith Slep
1Family Translational Research Group, Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY 11794-2500, USA.
Summary
New parenthood can lead to declines in relationship satisfaction for both men and women. However, this decrease is similar to that experienced by childless couples, suggesting it
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Family Studies
Background:
- U.S. government investment highlights concerns about new parent relationship health.
- Existing research suggests elevated risk for declining satisfaction and dissolution in new parent relationships.
Purpose of the Study:
- To meta-analyze existing studies on relationship satisfaction changes during the transition to parenthood.
- To compare changes in relationship satisfaction between couples who become parents and those who remain childless.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of 37 studies tracking couples from pregnancy to post-childbirth.
- Inclusion of 4 studies tracking childless newlyweds over time.
- Comparison of relationship satisfaction trends between parents and non-parents.
Main Results:
- Significant, small declines in relationship satisfaction observed for both men and women from pregnancy to 11 months postpartum.
- Moderate declines found in studies tracking couples for 12-14 months.
- Childless newlyweds experienced similar declines in relationship satisfaction over comparable time spans.
Conclusions:
- The transition to parenthood is associated with decreased relationship satisfaction.
- Observed declines may not be unique to parenthood, as childless couples show similar trends.
- Findings have implications for relationship prevention programs and future research directions.
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