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Transition to Parenthood and Marital Satisfaction: A Meta-Analysis
Ionela Bogdan1, Maria Nicoleta Turliuc1, Octav Sorin Candel1
1Department of Psychology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iaşi, Iaşi, Romania.
Frontiers in Psychology
|August 8, 2022
Summary
Marital satisfaction declines moderately in the first postpartum year and slightly in the second year for both parents. Partner satisfaction significantly impacts each other
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Parenthood transition is a significant life event with profound changes.
- Previous meta-analyses focused on the first or first two years postpartum.
- The current study examines marital satisfaction changes between 12-24 months postpartum and cross-partner effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the decrease in marital satisfaction during the first and second year postpartum.
- To examine cross-partner associations in the decline of postpartum marital satisfaction.
- To investigate potential moderating variables influencing this decrease.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of 49 studies (97 parent samples, 9 non-parent samples).
- Inclusion of dyadic studies to analyze cross-partner associations.
- Meta-analytic techniques for data analysis.
Main Results:
- Marital satisfaction shows a medium decrease from pregnancy to 12 months postpartum and a small decline from 12 to 24 months postpartum for both genders.
- Non-parents exhibit a small decline in marital satisfaction during the first year postpartum.
- Cross-partner associations are significant: one partner's satisfaction declines more steeply if the other's satisfaction decreases sharply.
Conclusions:
- The decrease in marital satisfaction persists beyond the first postpartum year.
- Cross-partner associations in marital satisfaction are evident in the second year postpartum.
- Findings have theoretical and therapeutic implications for understanding and supporting couples during the transition to parenthood.
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