Sense of coherence in first-time parents: a longitudinal study

Antonovsky's idea of sense of coherence (SOC) is related to wellbeing and is of importance for individuals in public health care. SOC in parents with healthy children has not previously been studied. The objectives of this study were (1) to describe the SOC of first-time parents during the first 8 years of their child's life, (2) to describe gender differences in regards to SOC, and (3) to describe covariates with SOC in the parents' life situations.

The study was longitudinal comprising three cross-sectional studies conducted when the first child was 6 months (T1), 4 years (T2), and 8 years (T3) of age. A sample of 258 mothers and fathers answered a questionnaire on the experienced quality of their partner relationship (QDR36) on all three occasions. SOC was measured using the SOC-13, and psychosocial variables were included at T2 and T3. Descriptive, comparative statistics and multiple regression analyses were performed.

SOC decreased for both genders at T2 and increased again at T3. At T1 and T2 the fathers' SOC was statistically higher than that of the mothers, but at T3 this difference could no longer be statistically secured. Covariates at T2 were QDR index, social support, experience of parenthood, strained economy, and health. Covariates at T3 were experience of parenthood and social support, QDR index, and strained economy.

SOC in first-time parents decreased at 4 years, especially in mothers, and social support can be of significance for parents of young children to be able to experience health.