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Predicting adaptation to parenthood: The role of responsiveness, gratitude, and trust
Author(s) -
TER KUILE HAGAR,
KLUWER ESTHER S.,
FINKENAUER CATRIN,
VAN DER LIPPE TANJA
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
personal relationships
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.81
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1475-6811
pISSN - 1350-4126
DOI - 10.1111/pere.12202
Subject(s) - gratitude , psychology , adaptation (eye) , stressor , developmental psychology , social psychology , optimism , clinical psychology , neuroscience
Abstract The influence of positive relationship processes, specifically perceived responsiveness, felt gratitude, and felt trust, on perceived adaptation to parenthood was investigated. It was hypothesized that both higher initial levels prior to pregnancy as well as increases over time in perceived responsiveness, felt gratitude, and felt trust predicted better adaptation to parenthood. Data from a five‐wave longitudinal study of 109 newlyweds who became parents during the course of the study were used. Results showed that baseline positive relationship processes before pregnancy positively predicted adaptation to parenthood up to 4 years later. Changes over time were even stronger predictors of adaptation. Positive relationship processes may buffer against stressors during challenging life transitions, improving one's own adaptation as well the adaptation of one's partner.