Adjustment of early parenthood: the role of accuracy of preparenthood experiences

This study was designed to determine the relationship between the accuracy of preparenthood expectations about parenthood and the incidence of problems associated with the transition to parenthood. Parents who were expecting their first child in about six weeks completed a prebirth questionnaire pertaining to expectations about various dimensions of parenthood following the birth of their baby. The same questionnaire was administered two months after the birth of the baby, along with questions concerning the kinds of problems the parents had encountered. Two comparison control groups were also tested. Parents' preparenthood expectations did not differ significantly from their subsequent perceptions of parenthood. However, mothers with less accurate expectations about parenthood were most likely to have problems adjusting to parenthood. No comparable relationship was obtained for fathers. Less accurate expectations about parenthood among mothers were also associated with lower levels of preparation for parenting, higher age levels, and a greater number of years of prior marriage. Information is presented regarding the specific aspects of parenthood that mothers and fathers were least prepared for and that posed the greatest problems.