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The transition to parenthood in dual-earner couples

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

Suzan N. C. Lewis  and
Cary L. Cooper
Suzan N. C. Lewis
Affiliation:
From the Department of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Manchester Polytechnic, and Department of Management Sciences, University of Manchester, Institute of Science and Technology, Manchester
Cary L. Cooper*
Affiliation:
From the Department of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Manchester Polytechnic, and Department of Management Sciences, University of Manchester, Institute of Science and Technology, Manchester
*
1Address for correspondence: Professor C. L. Cooper, Department of Management Sciences, UMIST, PO Box 88, Manchester M60 1QD.
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Synopsis

The impact of the transition to parenthood for dual-earner couples was examined in a longitudinal study. Data were collected by questionnaire from couples expecting their first child, during pregnancy and after maternity leave, and from childless couples at two separate time points. The impact of the transition was minimal overall, although women experienced more pressure than men and there were some cases of extreme stress. New single-earner parents reported a greater decline in life satisfaction than dual-earners.

Type
Research Article
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 18 , Issue 2 , May 1988 , pp. 477 - 486
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1988

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