Conditional regard, stress, and dyadic adjustment in primiparous couples: A dyadic analysis perspective

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Family Studies
• Relationship Science

Background:

• Parenthood transition is a critical period for relationship stability.
• Declines in dyadic adjustment are common, necessitating research into protective factors.
• Understanding psychological needs and stress is crucial for maintaining relationship quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between perceived conditional negative regard, stress, and dyadic adjustment in couples transitioning to parenthood.
• To explore the mediating role of stress in the association between conditional negative regard and dyadic adjustment.
• To examine actor and partner effects on relationship adjustment during this life stage.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study of 144 primiparous couples.
• Online questionnaires administered at 6 months (T1) and 12 months (T2) postpartum.
• Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model used for path analysis.

Main Results:

• Stress at T1 mediated the effect of perceived conditional negative regard at T1 on dyadic adjustment at T2 for each partner (actor effects).
• Perceived conditional negative regard at T1 was directly associated with the partner's dyadic adjustment at T2 (partner effects).
• No significant longitudinal associations were found for changes in stress and dyadic adjustment over time.

Conclusions:

• Conditional negative regard negatively impacts dyadic adjustment during the transition to parenthood, with stress acting as a key mediator.
• Both individual experiences and partner perceptions of conditional negative regard influence relationship quality.
• Interventions targeting conditional negative regard and stress may support relationship adjustment in new parents.