Associations between prenatal coparenting behavior and observed coparenting behavior at 9-months postpartum

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Family Studies
• Parenting Research

Background:

• Coparenting significantly impacts child and family well-being.
• The onset of coparenting dynamics relative to childbirth remains an open question.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if prenatal coparenting behavior predicts postnatal coparenting.
• To validate the Prenatal Lausanne Trilogue Play procedure (PLTP) for assessing prebirth coparenting.

Main Methods:

• 182 dual-earner couples expecting their first child participated.
• Couples completed the PLTP during the third trimester.
• Coparenting behavior was observed at 9-months postpartum.

Main Results:

• Significant continuity was found between prenatal and 9-month postpartum coparenting behavior.
• Higher quality prenatal coparenting predicted more supportive and less undermining postpartum interactions.
• Findings held even when controlling for prenatal couple behavior and relationship satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• The PLTP is a valid tool for observing early coparenting development.
• Coparenting relationships begin to form before a child's birth.
• Prenatal coparenting is distinct from the general couple relationship.