Transition to parenthood and positive parenting: Longitudinal and intervention approaches

Abstract

A successful transition to parenthood is a building block for early positive parenting. In this paper the transition to parenthood is approached in the context of the life-span model of motivation (Salmela-Aro, Citation2009) illustrated by longitudinal findings. Second, in line with the model, intervention is presented as a way of promoting a successful transition to parenthood and related positive parenting (Rodrigo, Citation2010). The paper describes how the key factors of the life-span model of motivation are helpful in understanding changes during the transition to parenthood. First, in the context of the life-span model of motivation, findings are presented concerning the way in which personal goals change during the transition to parenthood and how these changes are related to changes in depressive symptoms among 348 couples who filled in questionnaires during early pregnancy, late pregnancy, three months after childbirth and two years later. Second, as the transition to parenthood is a shared transition, cross-lagged paths between the role of partner support for personal goals and spousal satisfaction are presented. Third, an intervention (n = 371; randomized into intervention n = 131, control n = 240) including six psycho-education group sessions during pregnancy and one after childbirth aiming to increase positive parenting by increasing motivation and related preparedness to the transition to parenthood among those suffering from intense fear of childbirth is presented.

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