The longitudinal relations of antenatal paternal representations with romantic dyadic adjustment: comparisons with mothers

Cristina Sechi;Laura Vismara;Roberta Fadda;Loredana Lucarelli

2023-01-01

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Abstract

Within a multi-determined perspective, literature pointed out that antenatal parental representations are linked to the quality of caregiving and the child's development. In addition, it has been proven that the quality of marital relationships influences parenting behaviors and infants' functioning. Yet, no study has tested the association between these two variables. The present study aimed at examining the differences between fathers' and mothers' antenatal parental representations, and their relation with the perceptions of couple adjustment during pregnancy and at 3 months of the baby. During the seventh month of pregnancy, the Parental Representations Interview During Pregnancy and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale were administered to 40 first-time parents’ couples(mothers: Mage = 33.7 years, SD = 5,1 years; fathers: (Mage = 37.4 years, SD = 5.6 years). The Dyadic Adjustment Scale was completed also at three months of the baby. Results showed no statistically significant difference between mothers and fathers as regards the distribution of balanced versus unbalanced parental representations. However, independently of the quality of representation, mothers perceived less dyadic satisfaction than their partners. In general, both mothers and fathers who had an unbalanced parental representation perceived their couple adjustment as less cohesive. The findings of the present study underscore the importance of antenatal parental representations on the perception of parents' romantic relationships. Thus, research and interventions should pay attention to the antenatal period to capture crucial factors that may enhance the efficacy of preventive interventions.