[Couple relationship dynamics in transition to parenthood]

In an prospective longitudinal study of family development, 39 healthy couples were examined by the Giessen-Test 1-3 months before and 1 month and 1 year after the birth of their first child. The self-assessment and the assessment of the other spouse were recorded from both partners. By this procedure information relating to intrapsychic and interpersonal dynamics of the couple was obtained. It was evident, that during the transition from the preto the postnatal period the assessments at the personal as well as at the couples' level remained very stable. Our sample showed considerable differences compared to a representative couple sample. These differences decreased by the time of the third survey one year after the birth of the child. Although pregnancy and the birth of the first child seem to cause specific, but transitory changes in the parents self-images and in the dynamics of their relationship, our results support the notion of a high stability during the transition to parenthood with regard to the self-concepts of mother and father and especially to the structure of the parental dyad.