Parental-couple separation during the transition to parenthood

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Family Studies

Background:

• Parenthood transition is a critical life stage.
• Parental separation can negatively impact families.
• Understanding associated factors is crucial for support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors linked to parental separation.
• To explore predictors of relationship dissolution during early parenthood.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative longitudinal study of 784 subjects.
• Survey data analyzed using multivariate regression.
• Validated scales: Sense of Coherence, Perceived Social Support, Perceived Quality of Dyadic Relationship.

Main Results:

• Parental separation (N=17 at 2 years) associated with low/changing sense of coherence, social support, and relationship quality.
• Changes in sense of coherence and relationship quality predicted separation risk.
• Professional support and specific lectures showed a lesser association with reduced separation risk.

Conclusions:

• Sense of coherence, social support, and relationship quality are key factors in parental separation.
• Monitoring and supporting these areas during the transition may prevent separation.
• Targeted interventions, like preparatory support, could be beneficial.