Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.5559/di.21.2.03
Subjective Well-Being of Spouses during the Transition to Parenthood
Ina REIĆ ERCEGOVAC
orcid.org/0000-0003-4228-6054
; Faculty of Philosophy, Split
Zvjezdan PENEZIĆ
; University of Zadar, Zadar
Abstract
Parenting is one of the most important experiences of
individuals which brings changes in all aspects of life. The
transition to parenthood is one of the most universal
transitions, and most researchers and practitioners in the
field of parenting and intimate relationships agrees that the
transition to parenthood is reflected in the overall functioning
of an individual who becomes a parent. The aim of this
study was to determine if there are changes in subjective
well-being of spouses during the transition to parenthood,
and what the role of positive personality traits, satisfaction
with marriage during the pregnancy, parenting satisfaction
and parental competence in contribution to subjective well-
-being of new parents is. The study included 40 couples
(N = 80) that were examined at two time points during the
second trimester of pregnancy, and approx. nine months
postpartum. The following instruments were used: A
questionnaire of general information, General life
satisfaction scale, The scale of satisfaction with marriage,
Stress scale, Scale of parental competence and Personality
traits questionnaire. The results showed that the baby does
not violate marriage satisfaction, but contributes to the
increase in life satisfaction of spouses, which is discussed in
the context of the psychological welfare of parenting,
generativity and the revised hierarchy of human needs.
Personality traits, especially extraversion and
conscientiousness, contribute to life satisfaction during the
transition to parenthood. Satisfaction with marriage during
the pregnancy and parenting satisfaction, as an affective
component of parenting experience, were the best predictors
of satisfaction with marriage nine months postpartum.
Keywords
transition to parenthood; life satisfaction; satisfaction with marriage; parental competence; personality traits
Hrčak ID:
84532
URI
Publication date:
1.4.2012.
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