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Effects of pregnancy outcomes on marital satisfaction: A longitudinal study of birth and loss
Author(s) -
MekoshRosenbaum Victoria,
Lasker Judith N.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
infant mental health journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.693
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1097-0355
pISSN - 0163-9641
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0355(199522)16:2<127::aid-imhj2280160207>3.0.co;2-6
Subject(s) - pregnancy , abortion , grief , medicine , gynecology , obstetrics , psychology , demography , psychiatry , genetics , sociology , biology
This study compares the marital satisfaction of couples who experienced a pregnancy loss (spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, fetal, or neonatal death) with that of couples who experienced a successful pregnancy and birth. Data were gathered for the loss sample at 2 months postloss ( N = 138 females and 56 males), and again at 1 and 2 years later. Data from the pregnancy sample were obtained during pregnancy ( N = 215 females and 102 males) and 25–29 months following the expected due date to correspond to the third loss interview. Factors that were found to affect marital satisfaction negatively in the loss group were higher grief, higher mental distress, lower social support, subsequent pregnancy and loss, unplanned pregnancy, younger age, and less time in a relationship. No significant differences were found between the samples on marital satisfaction at either time. Divorce/separation incidence was only slightly higher for the loss sample, with 5.77% of the relationships ending, as compared to 3.67% of the pregnancy sample. In both groups, marital satisfaction declined over time. These results suggest that perinatal loss does not present a risk leading to marital disruption.