Dyadic adjustment, psychological distress and parenting alliance during transition to parenthood

Abstract

Background: Transition to parenthood is a developmental period of the family life cycle that strongly impacts marital relationship. The purpose of this investigation was to study marital change during transition to parenthood and to examine the role of antenatal psychological distress and parenting alliance. Methods: 56 participants (28 couples) completed questionnaires on 3rd trimester of pregnancy and two months after childbirth, measuring: dyadic (marital) adjustment, psychological distress and parenting alliance. Findings: In our sample, dyadic adjustment improved throughout transition to parenthood (t=-3.11; p=.003). Linear regression showed that antenatal dyadic adjustment (β=.66, p<.001) and psychological distress (β=-.22; p=.027) had an important effect on postnatal dyadic adjustment (R2adjust=.55). Furthermore, parenting alliance was a mediator in the relation between antenatal and postnatal dyadic adjustment. Therefore, the more developed the parenting alliance, the higher is the dyadic adjustment after childbirth. Discussion: Antenatal dyadic adjustment had an important impact on marital relationship and parenting after childbirth. Understanding the factors underlying marital change would allow to adequately support couples throughout transition to parenthood, promoting family health.