Maternal Well-Being Health, Differentiation, and Relationship Satisfaction

• Published in: The Family journal (Alexandria, Va.) Vol. 23; no. 1; pp. 56 - 64
• Main Authors: Didericksen, Katharine Wickel, Edwards, Anne E., Wetchler, Joseph L., Walker, Jane A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.01.2015; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Behavior modification; Coping; Couples; Health; Infants; Interpersonal Relationship Satisfaction; Mothers; Parents & parenting; Perceptions; Pregnancy; Regression analysis; Satisfaction; Well Being; differentiation; familial coping; relationship satisfaction; maternal health; maternal well-being; Bowen family systems theory; first-time mothers
• ISSN: 1066-4807; 1552-3950
• DOI: 10.1177/1066480714547186

Extensive research has been done on new mothers and their well-being post-pregnancy. Particularly, couples’ relationship satisfaction has been shown to diminish as new mothers adjust to their new role (Lawrence, Rothman, Cobb, Rothman, & Bradbury, 2008). The purpose of this study is to look at potential factors play into this possible drop in satisfaction, in an effort to better understand this transition. Study participants included 101 first-time mothers in long-term relationships, with babies between 6 and 12 months old. Through a series of regression analyses, the researchers found that higher levels of differentiation were significantly associated with higher levels of perceived pregnancy health and higher levels of relationship satisfaction. Further, higher levels of perceived pregnancy health are associated with higher levels of relationship satisfaction, and levels of family coping act as a moderator between these two variables. The relational therapeutic implications of these findings are also discussed.