The role of dyadic coping in the individual and dyadic adjustment during the transition to parenthood
Considered an event that can be a source of stress, the transition to parenthood is a period in the couples' lives that requires multiple changes and adjustments, both at individual and relational levels. Each partner needs to deal with his/her own and partner's stress (dyadic stress) and, together, to find joint coping strategies to overcome it successfully. The aim of this study was to examine the role of dyadic coping in the association between individual (depression, anxiety and quality of life) and relational (dyadic adjustment) adjustment of couples during the transition to parenthood. The analysis of the mediating role of dyadic coping and of cross partner effects is a novel contribution of this study, particularly in the context of the transition to parenthood. The sample of this cross sectional study comprised 386 participants (193 couples) recruited during the second trimester of pregnancy at the obstetrics appointments of the Obstetrics Service A (Maternity Daniel de Matos) from the Centro Hospitalar e Universitario de Coimbra (CHUC, EPE) Couples completed self report questionnaires of depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Post Natal Depression Scale) anxiety symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) quality of life (EUROHIS QOL 8) dyadic adjustment (Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale) and dyadic coping (Dyadic Coping Inventory) The results of this study showed that mothers, in comparison with fathers, reported lower levels of individual adjustment, but similar levels of dyadic adjustment. For both mothers and fathers, dyadic coping was positive and significantly associated with dyadic adjustment; these associations were stronger than those observed with the indicators of individual adjustment. In the mediation models, results indicated that dyadic coping was a significant mediator in the association between individual and dyadic adjustment. In general, mothers' reports of dyadic coping by the partner, fathers' reports of dyadic coping by the self and joint dyadic coping were significant mediators on both partners' models. The results of this study underline the importance of developing intervention models targeted to the period of transition to parenthood, and involving both partners. Special attention must be given to the improvement of mothers' communication of her needs as well as the promotion of fathers' psychoeducation about those needs, therefore promoting more effective and adequate response strategies, such as dyadic problem solving (for example, developing joint dyadic coping strategies) The aim of these interventions would be to ameliorate the impact of daily stressors for both partners and therefore promote better individual and dyadic adjustment.