PSY BEH 113D Lecture Notes - Lecture 30: Psych
Document Summary
Transition to parenthood: the period of adjustment to the new family status represented by the presence of a child in the home. New roles for both parents including relationships with other. Meta-analysis study of prospective design (couples were studied before and after family members child"s birth) 37 studies of couples in their late 20s. Same-sex marriages- couples may experience homophobia but the quality of their parenting no different than heterosexual parents. Fatherhood- less well-studied, but changes in social interactions within family and outside of home, relationship with wife appears important predictor; competence an important factor. Blended families- very little research; some studies suggest greater problems between mothers and stepchildren vs. fathers and stepchildren. How do they compare with families that are not blended? (stressful mother-stepchild and father- stepchild relationships?) Empty nest- describes the period in a couple"s life that occurs when their children permanently depart from the home. Not as devastating as was previously thought.