MATERNAL AND PATERNAL SATISFACTION IN FAM ILIES WITH PRESCHOOL AND PRIMARY-SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN

On the basis of a discussion of the term ''satisfaction'' and respecti ve theories, results from six case studies are exemplified. Within the Dusseldorf Longitudinal Study ''From Lovers to Parents'' with several investigations between the last trimester of pregnancy and the school enrolment of the first child quantitative analyses as well as qualita tive case studies have been established. Apart from the full range cas e studies we have worked on special thematic aspects of family develop ment, e. g. on individual contentment in daily family routines. With r espect to maternal and paternal experiences, a detailed description of contentment in six case studies is given.