This study highlighted some dimensions of positive psychological functioning that specifically contribute to women's well-being in the transition to motherhood, and their different relevance for primiparous and multiparous mothers. Future trials are needed to integrate this information in tailored intervention for the promotion of mothers' complete mental health.

Little is known about changes in existential dimensions of well-being (i.e., eudaimonic well-being) when becoming a parent, particularly in men. This study examined eudaimonic well-being during the transition to parenthood, considering depressive symptoms and gender differences. Fifty pregnant couples (n = 50 fathers-to-be; n = 50 mothers-to-be; age range 24-53 years) enrolled in maternity units during pregnancy ordinary check-ups, participated in the study. Ratings of eudaimonic well-being (Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scales) and depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) were collected prenatally and postnatally. In line with the study hypothesis, the results showed that having a child increased well-being in both parents. Surprisingly, well-being in fathers improved more than in mothers. Gender differences accounted for 4.6% of the variance in postnatal eudaimonic well-being, while prenatal levels of eudaimonic well-being accounted for 70%. Becoming a parent has important implications for eudaimonic well-being especially in fathers. Clinical and sociological implications of the findings are discussed.