3 - (SYM 73) Couple's Adjustment to Parenthood in the Context of Childhood Maltreatment: A Mixed-methods Study

Becoming a parent is a major life transition involving heightened stress, identity change, and lifestyle adjustment, which can disrupt couple relationship quality. A history of childhood maltreatment may exacerbate the stress, increasing risk of emotional dysregulation and relationship conflict. Understanding if and how childhood maltreatment history impacts couples’ adjustment to parenthood is critical for supporting families during this sensitive period. In this presentation, we review a mixed-methods study establishing the effect of childhood maltreatment history on couples’ relationship and coparenting quality during the transition to parenthood.

In the quantitative study, 398 heterosexual couples who were pregnant with their first child participated in assessment batteries during pregnancy (Wave 1), 10-12 months postpartum (Wave 2), and 2 years postpartum (Wave 3). Measures were completed by both partners individually at each timepoint. Structural equation modeling revealed partner effects of fathers’ maltreatment history on mothers’ report of relationship quality at waves 2 and 3, where greater maltreatment history for fathers was associated with worse relationship quality in mothers (Wave 2: b = -.12, p = .042; Wave 3: b = -.16, p = .002). Both fathers’ (b = -.06, p < .001) and mothers’ (b = -.13, p = .049) maltreatment history predicted lower coparenting quality as rated by mothers at wave 2. These findings suggest mothers may perceive poorer relationship and coparenting when either partner has a maltreatment history.
The qualitative study involved interviews with 11 couples where at least one partner had a maltreatment history. Using interpretive phenomenological analysis, themes around maltreatment-specific challenges in relationships emerged primarily for partners with a history of maltreatment, such as feelings of inadequacy and fear of judgment by partners. Partners also described evolving understanding of their maltreatment history when becoming a parent. Couples shared support strategies focused on helping partners foster resilience during the transition to parenthood. Despite challenges associated with a maltreatment history, findings highlight how supportive partnerships can buffer negative impacts and improve outcomes for vulnerable families.