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Parental relationship satisfaction, reflective functioning, and toddler behavioral problems: A longitudinal study
Saara Johanna Salo1, Jari Olavi Lipsanen2, Johanna Sourander1
1Department of Education, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Frontiers in Psychology
|August 29, 2022
Summary
Parent relationship satisfaction is key for predicting toddler behavior problems, while parental reflective functioning (PRF) shows less impact. Early relationship support for new parents is crucial for child wellbeing.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Family Studies
- Child Wellbeing
Background:
- Parent relationship satisfaction and parental reflective functioning (PRF) are vital during the transition to first-time parenthood.
- Their combined longitudinal effects on child wellbeing are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the stability and reciprocal associations between relationship satisfaction and PRF from pregnancy onward.
- To investigate their predictive power for child behavioral problems at age 2.
Main Methods:
- A follow-up study of 1016 Finnish first-time parents (mothers and fathers).
- Utilized random-intercept cross-lagged panel models to analyze data from pregnancy to child age 2.
- Assessed child behavioral problems using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL).
Main Results:
- Relationship satisfaction and PRF remained stable from pregnancy onward for most parents.
- Low prenatal PRF and low relationship satisfaction showed reciprocal associations at age 1.
- Low relationship satisfaction, not PRF, predicted higher child behavioral problems at age 2 for both mothers and fathers.
Conclusions:
- Parent relationship satisfaction and PRF are stable but largely independent factors during the transition to parenthood.
- Parent relationship satisfaction significantly predicts toddler behavior problems.
- Early, relationship-focused interventions for new parents are recommended to support child development.
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