EFFECTS OF CLARIFICATION OF SUPPORT EXPECTATIONS IN PRENATAL COUPLES

The purpose of this study was to test a theoretical model of confirmat ion of expectations for mutual support after childbirth and to evaluat e an intervention given in prenatal classes during which prospective p arents clarified their expectations. Results provided support for the proposed model in that parents with greater confirmation of expectatio ns were found to have more positive relationship satisfaction, emotion al affect, and parenting attitudes. Differences in men and women emerg ed that demonstrated that confirmation of support expectations was mor e important to women, while the level of support actually received was more important to men. The prenatal class intervention did not signif icantly affect parent outcomes.