Within-couple comparison of maternal and paternal distress in an Italian birth cohort

This study compared parental distress in 166 couples, using the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF), in the Italian NASCITA cohort at the two-year well-child visits. The study explored the concordance of distress levels within couples (aim 1) and their correlation with child-related stressors (aim 2).

Previous studies focused on maternal distress or considered maternal and paternal experiences separately, without addressing differences within couples.

Data on parental distress were collected from the PSI-SF completed separately by parents. The total score was derived from three subscales, with high distress defined by a score above 85. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test compared the total PSI-SF scores of mothers and fathers. The prevalence of high distress was assessed using chi-square tests, and concordance between parents within the same couple was estimated using Cohen's K statistic. Chi-square tests were also used to compare distress levels in parents exposed to potential child-related stressors versus those not exposed.

A slightly higher total score (z = -2.45; p = 0.01) was observed in mothers versus fathers, although the prevalence of distress was similar (15.1% vs. 13.9%, respectively; p = 0.76). Nine children (5.4%) had both parents distressed. Agreement in the high level of distress was observed for 81.9% of the couples, with a fair agreement on the total score (Cohen's K = 0.27).The percentage of children with both distressed parents was slightly higher in the group exposed to potential stressors (6.6% vs. 4%, p = 0.49).

It is essential to evaluate distress in parents exposed to potential stressors related to child characteristics early. This assessment should be part of the pediatric family practice to prevent adverse outcomes in both child and parental wellbeing.