CHANGES IN MARITAL SATISFACTION AND COPING DURING THE TRANSITION TO PARENTHOOD - A REVIEW OF CURRENT STUDIES

Normative transitions in the life cycle challenge the adaptation resou rces of individuals. This review focuses on empirical findings of the last fifteen years and gives an overview on changes in the transition to parenthood, especially in marital satisfaction. Changes in partners hip quality are moderated by variables like expectancy processes conce rning the division of tasks and roles, as well as the experience of in justice in the intimate relationship. Experienced strain and employed coping strategies are discussed in consideration of the contribution o f transactional stress and coping theory.