First-Time Mothers' Expectations of Parenthood: What Happens When Optimistic Expectations Are Not Matched by Later Experiences?

Autor/inn/en	Harwood, Kate; McLean, Neil; Durkin, Kevin
Titel	First-Time Mothers' Expectations of Parenthood: What Happens When Optimistic Expectations Are Not Matched by Later Experiences?
Quelle	In: Developmental Psychology, 43 (2007) 1, S.1-12 (12 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0012-1649
Schlagwörter	Questionnaires; Pregnancy; Mothers; Expectation; Depression (Psychology); Child Rearing; Personality Traits; Psychological Patterns; Infants; Parent Attitudes; Well Being; Interpersonal Relationship; Adjustment (to Environment) + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Fragebogen; Schwangerschaft; Mother; Mutter; Expectancy; Erwartung; Kindererziehung; Individual characteristics; Personality characteristic; Persönlichkeitsmerkmal; Infant; Toddler; Toddlers; Kleinkind; Elternverhalten; Well-being; Wellness; Wohlbefinden; Interpersonal relation; Interpersonal relations; Interpersonelle Beziehung; Zwischenmenschliche Beziehung
Abstract	Becoming a parent is a major developmental transition of adulthood. Individuals often have optimistic expectations about parenthood, yet this transition also presents a number of challenges. The authors investigated whether new parents have overly optimistic expectations about parenthood and, if they do, how this influences their adjustment to this role. The sample consisted of 71 first-time mothers who completed questionnaires during pregnancy and at 4 months postpartum. The study assessed women's expectations of caring for their infant and the influence parenthood would have on their well-being and their relationships with others. Most women's expectations were matched or exceeded by their parenting experiences. However, where experiences were negative relative to expectations, there was greater depression symptomatology and poorer relationship adjustment. (Author).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10