Year: 2010
Type: article
Abstract: Change in perceived relationship quality among unmarried first-time parents was examined using a subsample of the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. Mothers (N = 990) and fathers (N = 885) were interviewed at childbirth and one year postpartum. A significant but small decline in perceived relationship quality was found, with mothers experiencing greater decline than fathers. Greater declines were predicted by parents being in steady relationships at childbirth, and for mothers only, fathers' provision of transportation support at childbirth. Less decline was predicted by fathers' presence at childbirth and parents reporting less chance of marriage. For fathers, less education predicted less decrease in perceived relationship quality. Ten recommendations based upon these results are offered for family life educators and clinicians.
Author: Gerard Anthony Carter
Language: English
Subfield: Demography
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1823782504