Marital perceptions and interactions across the transition to parenthood

Observed interaction of couples during a problem-solving task and self-reports of spouses concerning their marriage were investigated before the birth of their first child and at 3, 12, and 24 months after the birth of the child. The study focuses on the impact of a first child's birth on the marriage. Hierarchical linear model analyses were performed Patterns of change in the marital relationship were related to whether the pregnancy was planned to depressive symptoms of spouses, to the couple's problem-solving behavior; and to the gender of the child.