DEFENSE STYLE AND ADJUSTMENT IN INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

The aim of this study was to determine whether an individual's defense style significantly influences his or her relationship satisfaction i n the transition to parenthood. Questionnaire measures of relationship satisfaction and personality (including defense style) were administe red in the midtrimester of pregnancy to 157 couples expecting their fi rst child. Follow-up assessments of relationship satisfaction were con ducted at 4 and 12 months postpartum. The strongest predictor of curre nt relationship satisfaction for both mothers and fathers was prior re lationship satisfaction. In addition, measures of defense style were f ound to contribute significantly to the prediction of relationship sat isfaction at both postpartum assessments. The results support the usef ulness of models of defense style for understanding processes of copin g and adjustment in normal adults. Methodological issues in the measur ement of defense style and gender differences in defense functioning a re discussed. (C) 1997 Academic Press.