Coping with early parenthood
de Nia Lane Chester, Abigail J. Stewart, Radcliffe College. Henry A. Murray Research Center
The purpose of this longitudinal study was to examine the adjustment to new parenthood and to investigate the particular stresses common to new parents. The later data collections focused on occupational satisfaction of mothers with preschool children. In 1976-1977 a group of new and expectant parents participated in a larger two-year longitudinal study examining the adjustment to major life transitions (see Stewart, A529). In 1979-1980, Chester recontacted the new andexpectant parents to follow-up on their experiences as new parents. Thirty-one women and 24 men participated, all White, predominantly middle class, and in their late 20s and early 30s. The average age of the participants' only or oldest child was 28 months. In 1984, this sample was contacted for the fourth time. Twenty women and seven men participated. The first two waves are described in the Stewart (A529). In the 1978-80 follow-up, and open-ended interview schedule was employeed to assess the new parent experience. Topics covered included satisfaction with parenting, expectations, difficulties, family size, response to hypothetical situations, division of household labor, work, activities and interests, life satisfaction, and advice for other parents. The participants also responded to four Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) picture cues, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Kelly Role Repertory Grid, and the Personal Attributes Questionnaire. The 1984 data collection focused on occupational patterns and satisfactions of the women who were employed outside the home during their children's preschool years. A mailed questionnaire assessed the impact of children on job involvement, and future work plans. Personality variables, such as motivation and self-definition, and situational characteristics, such as income, child care, attitudes of spouse, and level of job, were also assessed. Paper, audiotape, and computer-accessible data from this data collection are available at the center.
