Maternal Marital Satisfaction Research Articles

The role of maternal emotional expressivity in maternal marital satisfaction and adolescents' depressive symptoms among Chinese families: Moderated by family socioeconomic status

The present study aims to investigate the complex interplay among three family factors: maternal marital satisfaction, maternal emotional expressivity, and family socioeconomic status, and their impact on adolescent depression in Chinese families. A total of 542 Chinese adolescents and their mothers from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds completed the survey. The data revealed that higher maternal marital satisfaction correlated with more positive emotional expressivity and less negative emotional expressivity. Both types of maternal emotional expressivity were associated with depressive symptoms in adolescents. Moreover, both maternal positive and negative emotional expressivity mediated the relationship between maternal marital satisfaction and adolescents’ depressive symptoms. Notably, the mediating role of maternal negative expressivity was only evident when the family’s socioeconomic status was moderate to high. These findings underscore the important role played by maternal emotional expressivity and family socioeconomic status in the dyadic processes between the marital relationship of mothers and the emotional well-being of adolescents in Chinese families. The present study also indicates potential targets for parenting interventions aimed at promoting the mental health of adolescents.

Maternal adult attachment and mother-adolescent attachment: the chain mediating role of marital satisfaction and harsh parenting.

This study explored the relationship between maternal adult attachment and mother-adolescent attachment based on the attachment theory and spillover hypothesis of family systems theory. A survey research was conducted on 992 mothers and adolescents using a convenience sampling method. A survey research was conducted on 992 Chinese mothers and adolescents using a convenience sampling method. The results indicated that (1) maternal adult attachment avoidance and anxiety were significantly negatively related to maternal marital satisfaction and mother-adolescent attachment, and significantly positively related to maternal harsh parenting; maternal adult attachment anxiety was a significant direct predictor of mother-adolescent attachment; (2) Maternal marital satisfaction and maternal harsh parenting mediated the significant effect between maternal adult attachment and mother-adolescent attachment, specifically pathways contained three: a separate mediating effect of maternal marital satisfaction, a separate mediating effect of maternal harsh parenting, and a chain mediating effect of maternal marital satisfaction and maternal harsh parenting. The findings suggest that maternal adult attachment, marital satisfaction, and harsh parenting behaviors can have significant effects on adolescents' mother-adolescent attachment.

Predictors of anxiety among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus and their partners: The mediating role of marital satisfaction.

This study aims to examine the prevalence of anxiety symptoms and identify predictors of anxiety among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus and their partners and explore the mediating role of marital satisfaction between maternal and paternal anxiety. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Guangzhou, China, from July 2021 to May 2022. A total of 306 dyads of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus and their partners completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Locke-Wallace Marital Adjustment Test and the socio-demographic and clinical data sheet. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms was 32.4% and 36.6% in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus and their partners, respectively. The predictors of maternal anxiety were paternal anxiety, maternal marital satisfaction, maternal monthly salary, fasting glucose value and 1-h glucose value. By contrast, the predictors of paternal anxiety were maternal anxiety, paternal marital satisfaction and paternal monthly salary. Moreover, the relationship between maternal and paternal anxiety was mediated by marital satisfaction. The anxiety symptoms of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus and their partners influence each other, and this relationship was mediated by marital satisfaction. Every couple should be screened for anxiety symptoms and treated as a team rather than focusing solely on the pregnant woman.

Perceived stress, marital satisfaction, and prenatal depression among couples with gestational diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to explore the prevalence of prenatal depression and to determine the dyadic relationship between perceived stress, marital satisfaction, and prenatal depression in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and their partners. Background GDM during pregnancy is a very stressful event for couples. However, previous studies have largely focused on pregnant women, with few including their partners. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Guangzhou, China, from 30 July to 2 December 2021. Three hundred fourteen couples with GDM completed the Perceived Stress Scale, Locke–Wallace Marital Adjustment Scale, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Dyadic analysis was conducted using the actor–partner interdependence mediation model. Results The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 13.4% in pregnant women with GDM and 8.3% in their partners. Regarding the actor effects, perceived stress was positively associated with prenatal depression in pregnant women with GDM and their partners, respectively, and marital satisfaction acted as a mediating role. Regarding the partner effects, paternal perceived stress was negatively associated with maternal marital satisfaction, and maternal marital satisfaction mediated the association between paternal perceived stress and maternal prenatal depression. Conclusions Dyadic effects of perceived stress, marital satisfaction, and prenatal depression exist in couples with GDM.

Trajectories of Marital Satisfaction among Parents of Youth with Spina Bifida.

This study examined marital satisfaction among parents of youth with spina bifida (SB) over an 8-year period and investigated the usefulness of the double ABCX model for understanding factors that predict change in marital satisfaction across child age. Data from five time points of a longitudinal investigation of psychosocial outcomes in youth with SB were included. Mothers and fathers of children with SB (aged 8-17) reported on marital satisfaction and components of the double ABCX model. Change in marital satisfaction was examined across child age with components of the double ABCX model, as well as interactions between components, as predictors. Marital satisfaction was significantly higher in the present sample than in a normative sample of married couples. Although there were no significant changes in marital satisfaction for either parent as a function of child age, there was significant variability for the intercept and slope of maternal and paternal marital satisfaction within the sample. Family support predicted a higher intercept, and mental health symptoms predicted a lower intercept, for maternal and paternal marital satisfaction. More stressors and SB-related family stress predicted a lower intercept for paternal marital satisfaction. Family support and family stress attributed to SB moderated the relationship between child vulnerability and maternal marital satisfaction. Observed family cohesion and child psychosocial quality of life moderated the relationship between family stressors and paternal marital satisfaction. Findings demonstrate the usefulness of the double ABCX model for this population.

Marital Satisfaction, Family Functioning, and Children's Mental Health-The Effect of Parental Co-Viewing.

Using 318 household data concerning children during middle childhood (8–13), we examined the association among each parent’s marital satisfaction, the child’s perceived family functioning, and the child’s anxiety and depression. Second, we investigated whether the other parent could buffer or facilitate this chain effect by co-viewing programs via various devices with their child so as to improve the child’s perceived family functioning. Results verified the mediation effect that maternal marital satisfaction was positively associated with the child’s perceived family functioning, which, in turn, decreased the child’s depression. In addition, the results indicated that increased paternal co-viewing enhanced the positive association between maternal marital satisfaction and the child’s perceived family functioning and then decreased the child’s depression. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed within the framework of family systems theory, parental media interventions, and the different roles of the father and mother in family functionality.

Postpartum depression in mothers and fathers: a structural equation model

BackgroundPost-partum depression (PPD) is a growing mental health concern worldwide. There is little evidence in the Chinese context of the relationship between paternal PPD and maternal PPD. Given the growing global concerns this relationship requires further exploration.MethodsA survey was conducted with 950 total couples from March 2017 to December 2018. The study was conducted using a standardized questionnaire that included basic demographic information, information on the relationship between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, marital satisfaction (both maternal and paternal), and PPD symptoms. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis was used to explore the underlying mechanism for PPD symptoms in mothers and fathers.ResultsIn 4.4% of the couples both the wife and the husband showed depressive symptoms. Maternal marital satisfaction showed a significant mediating effect on paternal PPD (B = -0.114, p < 0.01), and there was a direct effect of maternal PPD on paternal PPD (B = 0.31, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis is the first study to investigate the possible correlation between maternal PPD, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship satisfaction, maternal marital satisfaction, paternal marital satisfaction, and paternal PPD. It is important for future PPD interventions to target both maternal and paternal mental health, as well as the mechanisms identified that can lead to PPD.

Dyadic Analysis of Childhood Emotional Maltreatment and Marital Satisfaction During the Transition to Parenthood: The Mediating Effects of Emotion Regulation Strategies and Psychological Distress

ABSTRACTChildhood emotional maltreatment (CEM) has been found to be associated with marital dissatisfaction. However, less attention has been paid to the married couples during the initial transition to parenthood from the perspective of both partners, as well as the underlying mechanisms by which parents’ CEM histories are related to marital satisfaction. The purposes of this study were to examine the relation between CEM and current marital satisfaction among first-time parents using dyadic analysis, and to test the serial mediating effects of emotion regulation strategies and psychological distress. A total of 156 couples during the transition to parenthood from mainland China reported on CEM, emotion regulation strategies (i.e., cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression), psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms), and marital satisfaction at 6 months postpartum. Results indicated that paternal depression significantly mediated the paths from paternal emotional maltreatment to paternal and maternal marital dissatisfaction. In comparison, maternal depression significantly mediated the link between maternal CEM and maternal marital dissatisfaction. In addition, the association between maternal CEM and maternal marital satisfaction was serially mediated by maternal cognitive reappraisal and maternal depression. This study highlights the importance of examining the link between CEM and marital satisfaction and its underlying mechanisms from the dyadic perspective.

Assessment of the Role of Maternal Characteristics, Mental Health and Maternal Marital Satisfaction in Prediction of Neonatal Birth Weight

Background Neonatal mortality comprises a large part of infant mortality, and it depends largely on neonatal birth weight. Besides maternal diseases, it seems that other important factors such as maternal demographic characteristics, mental health and marital satisfaction, affects their infants birth weight. This study conducted aiming to evaluate these affecting factors on neonatal birth weight. Materials and Methods  This study was descriptive � correlative, and conducted on all of the mothers and their neonates who were 200 mothers and neonates born during the summer 2015, in Urmia Kosar hospital that lasted 6 months. We used the GHQ (General Health Questionnaire), to evaluate the mental status of mothers and ENRICH for the evaluation of marital satisfaction. Demographic characteristics of mothers collected to special forms. Results In this study, 200 mothers, and 200 neonates born in Kosar Hospital were studied. The mean age of the mothers was 28.06 ± 6.34 years and the duration of pregnancy was 39.14 ± 1.21 months. The amount of obtained was significant for pregnancy duration in predicting neonatal birth weight. In marital status parameters, beta amounts for economic, family and communication was significant in predicting neonatal birth weight. Among parameters of maternal mental health, correlation of depression was significant in predicting neonatal birth weight. Conclusion According to results, in white race low maternal age was a risk factor for bearing low birth weight baby. Marital satisfaction and bearing no stress from husband lets the fetus grow well and reaches normal birth weight.

Relationship between father parenting stress, marital satisfaction and father involvement

Objective To examine the effect of father parenting stress and paternal marital satisfaction on father involvement, and to explore the mediating role of maternal perceptions of father involvement in father involvement and maternal marital satisfaction. Methods 300 children's fathers and mothers from 5 kindergartens in Beijing city, Dezhou city, Wuhu city were surveyed with the Chinese version of the PSI/SF, the father involvement questionnaire and the marital satisfaction questionnaire. Results The score of paternal marital satisfaction was (3.98±0.75), (3.84±0.76) for maternal marital satisfaction, (2.26±0.50) for father parenting stress, (2.60±0.49) for father involvement, (2.50±0.50) for maternal perceptions of father involvement.Correlation analysis showed that father parenting stress was negatively correlated with father involvement(r=-0.36, P<0.01), paternal marital satisfaction was positively correlated with father involvement(r=0.33, P<0.01), father involvement was positively correlated with maternal marital satisfaction(r=0.36, P<0.01), father involvement was positively correlated with maternal perceptions of father involvement(r=0.48, P<0.01). A structure equation model consisting of father parenting stress, father involvement and marital satisfaction had a better degree of fitting: GFI=0.99, NFI=0.99, CFI=0.99, RMSEA<0.001.Maternal perceptions of father involvement mediated the effect of father involvement on maternal marital satisfaction(effect value: 0.41, P<0.05). Conclusion Father parenting stress and paternal marital satisfaction could significantly predict father involvement, father involvement could significantly predict maternal marital satisfaction. These studies verified the spillover effect and the crossover effect between spousal subsystem and parental subsystem. Key words: Father involvement; Father parenting stress; Marital satisfaction

Maternal marital satisfaction during the first six months following international adoption

International adoption can be a rewarding way for parents to build a family and many varied factors contribute to a positive adoption outcome. In particular, the period of adjustment just prior to and following an international adoption is a major transition for the adoptive family. Positive outcomes are related to both lower parental stress and higher marital satisfaction of the adoptive parents, and strong marital support is a protective factor ( Mainemer, Gilman and Ames, 1998 ). Examining the marital relationship during this time of transition may bring understanding of the effects of the adoption process on the parents’ marital relationship; identifying characteristics that indicate susceptibility to marital discord and possible areas for intervention increases the chances of a positive adoption outcome. This study examined 49 mothers’ perceptions of marital satisfaction, marital happiness and personal stress in the weeks preceding and the months following an international adoption. Women are often the primary caregivers of the newly adopted child and mothers tend to indicate distress during this period, therefore this investigation focused on the maternal viewpoint. The sample included children who had been designated as special needs in the country of origin as well as others who had not. The findings suggest that marriages with positive perceptions and satisfaction prior to adoption fare best during the early months post-adoption. Older women reported less positive perceptions of their marriages and spouses; therefore, mothers beyond childbearing age may benefit from further support.

Preschoolers' Psychopathology and Temperament Predict Mothers' Later Mood Disorders.

Considerable research exists documenting the relationship between maternal mood disorders, primarily major depressive disorder (MDD), and a variety of negative child outcomes. By contrast, research exploring the reverse pathway whereby child traits are associated with later maternal mood disorders is much more limited. We examined whether young children's temperament and psychopathology predicted maternal mood disorders approximately 6 years later. Child temperament and symptoms were assessed at age three using semi-structured diagnostic interviews and parent-report inventories. Maternal psychopathology was assessed with semi-structured interviews when children were 3 and 9 years old. Mothers also reported on their marital satisfaction when children were 3 and 6 years old. Child temperamental negative affectivity (NA), depressive symptoms, and externalizing behavior problems significantly predicted maternal mood disorders over and above prior maternal mood, anxiety, and substance disorders. The link between children's early externalizing symptoms and maternal mood disorders 6 years later was mediated by maternal marital satisfaction 3 years after the initial assessment. These findings suggest that early child temperament and psychopathology contribute to risk for later maternal mood disorders both directly and through their impact on the marital system. Research indicates that effective treatment of maternal depression is associated with positive outcomes for children; however, this study suggests that treating early child problems may mitigate the risk of later maternal psychopathology.

Coparenting in Stepfamilies: Maternal Promotion of Family Cohesiveness with Partner and with Father

Coparenting refers to the support parents bring to each other when rearing a child. Supportive coparenting ensures cohesiveness of the family, which is linked with child outcomes. Little is known, however, about the coparental relationship in stepfamilies between the custodial parent, usually the mother, and the new partner, and how it compares to coparenting with the father. This study addressed mother-reported coparenting in stepfamilies and also compared it with that in first-marriage families. Three dimensions of coparenting were considered: family integrity, disparagement, and conflict. Mothers (N = 300) completed questionnaires on their coparenting relationship with the father and with the partner, marital satisfaction, and attachment. Half the mothers were living in a stepfamily with a child between 5 and 13 years old from a previous marriage, and half in a first-marriage family. The main results show that (a) mothers promote family integrity in stepfamilies either with the partner, or with the father, but not with both; (b) the older the child, the less the mothers reported integrity with the father in both families, and the more they reported disparagement against the partner and conflict with the partner in stepfamilies; and (c) maternal marital satisfaction is linked with all dimensions of coparenting with the father in first-marriage families, but only with disparagement against the partner and conflict with the partner in stepfamilies. Overall, coparenting has similar characteristics in both types of families, but also presents differences that should be considered when working with parents who are committed to a new relationship.

The Spillover Effect of Parenting on Marital Satisfaction Among Chinese Mothers

Marital satisfaction is crucial to mothers’ well-being, as well as parent–child relationship and family functioning. Existing literature has shown the impact of marital relationship on parenting. Yet, there are few studies to examine the impact of parenting on marital satisfaction. Family systems theory postulates that there is a reciprocal association between functioning in the parental and spousal subsystems. This study thus aims to examine the associations of various parenting correlates, including parenting self-efficacy, parenting stress, co-parenting alliance, satisfaction with father involvement, and marital satisfaction of mothers. A cross-sectional survey was conducted and a sample of 1,140 mothers was recruited in this study using convenience sampling from 20 nurseries. After controlling for mothers’ age, education level, and household income, hierarchical regression analyses showed that greater co-parenting alliance, higher satisfaction with father involvement, and lower parenting stress were associated with higher maternal marital satisfaction. Findings support the “spillover” hypothesis in the family systems theory, indicating that positive factors in the parental subsystem are significantly associated with higher marital satisfaction in the spousal subsystem. Measures that cultivate father involvement, alleviate mothers’ parenting stress, and improve co-parenting alliance may be adopted to increase mothers’ marital satisfaction and maintain marital relationship.

Marital satisfaction and partners' parenting practices: The mediating role of coparenting behavior.

We investigated the relationship between spouses' marital satisfaction and partners' parenting practices (emotional support, control attempts, and rejection) and considered the role of coparenting behavior as a mediator of this relationship. Participants were 519 married or living together couples, with 9- to 13-year-old children, living in Lisbon and the east coast of Portugal. Interparental cooperation, interparental conflict, and triangulation of the child were tested as mediators of the associations between marital satisfaction (MS) and parenting practices (PP). Structural equation modeling was used to test two mediation models (maternal parenting and paternal parenting) and to perform multigroup analysis to examine the moderating role of parent and child gender. Results showed that coparenting behavior mediated the association between spousal MS and partners' PP. Child and parent gender moderated the pattern of associations. Relationships were stronger between maternal MS and paternal PP, and many of the associations were significant for parents of boys but not for parents of girls.

Social referencing in infancy: a glance at fathers and marriage.

Social referencing refers to the tendency of a person to look to a significant other in an ambiguous situation in order to obtain clarifying information. The aims of the study were to assess the extent to which infants use fathers as referencing targets, and to assess the familial context that might mediate referencing to both parents. 40 11-month-old infants were observed once with their mothers and once with their fathers in a 15-min social referencing situation that involved entrance of a female stranger as the ambiguous stimulus. Infants used their fathers and mothers as referencing targets to an equal extent. Additionally, marital satisfaction was found to be a significant modifier of referencing. A hierarchical regression analysis indicated that paternal marital satisfaction predicted social referencing to fathers as well as to mothers; no effect was found for maternal marital satisfaction alone. This suggests that in order to better understand early socioemotional development, it is necessary to consider the interdependence among various relationships within the family.