The impact of the birth of the first child on a couple's relationship
Year: 2009
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Background. The birth of a first child heralds a major life transition for couples and has an inextricable effect on their relationship as their affiliation transits from an intimate dyad to a dynamic triad. Research suggests that the birth of a first baby has a formidable impact on the couple’s relationship, even more so than subsequent progeny. Aim. This integrative review set out to answer the question: what is the impact of the first baby on the couple’s relationship? Method. The review process comprised determining a question and the inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by a detailed systematic search of the literature, critical appraisal of retrieved papers and the synthesis of results of the selected studies. The results were discussed within the context of broader literature, drawing conclusions, implications and dissemination plans. Findings. Seven primary research papers were identified and included in the review, which used qualitative and quantitative approaches for investigation. Five main themes emerged that contributed to the decline of the relationship. There were clear differences between men and women’s dissatisfaction and perceptions of the relationship. Couples reported loss of intimacy, difficulties in communication and overall relationship discontentment. Implications. Use of therapeutic interventions antenatally may ease the transition to parenthood. While marital disharmony impacts greatly on the couple’s relationship, it is nonetheless important to note the impact on the child. One-parent families have a psychological and social impact on the child together with negative consequences prior to divorce/separation. Midwives have a role to play in supporting families; they can be the first-line healthcare professional in the antenatal and postnatal period to address these problems and ensure the wellbeing of all members of the family.
Authors: Bateman, Lynda, Bharj, Kuldip
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7111820054