The family dynamics of childbearing and childrearing families in Finland

Abstract

Within the context of an international comparative family dynamics project, this study had two chief goals: to describe the family dynamics of childbearing and childrearing families in Finland, and to study changes in family dynamics after childbirth. The sample consisted of families expecting (n = 118) and rearing (n = 94) their first or second child in Finland. Two instruments were used in data collection, i.e. the Family Dynamics Questionnaire and the Family Dynamics Measure; both these tools have been developed in the USA. According to the results, childbearing and childrearing families were thought to function quite well. Pregnant mothers described their family dynamics in more positive terms than fathers, reporting greater flexibility and clearer communication. Similarly, mothers reported more individuation and mutuality than their partners. First-time expectant families reported more mutuality than families expecting their second child. Childrearing mothers reported more individuation, but also more role conflict than did fathers. Communication in families rearing their first child was clearer than in families rearing their second child. The birth of a child affected family dynamics by bringing about various changes such as role conflict, isolation and distorted communication.

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