The influence of family unions and parenthood transitions on self-development.

Abstract

The present study discusses the impact of union and parenthood transitions on individuals' self-esteem and sense of mastery development from midadolescence to young adulthood by using multilevel analyses with longitudinal data of 7,339 individuals between ages 15 and 38. The results show that, first, individuals in marital unions show significantly greater rates of growth in self-esteem and sense of mastery, compared with singles. Therefore, entering into marriage provides greater protections to individuals' self-esteem and sense of mastery. Second, the transition to parenthood brings significant decreases in levels and increases in rates of change in self-esteem and sense of mastery among new parents. The degree of the aforementioned changes differs by new parents' gender, union status, and living arrangement with the child at childbirth. Women are influenced more negatively than men. Living with the child at childbirth reduces the degree of decreases in self-esteem and sense of mastery, especially for mothers. In sum, from midadolescence to young adulthood, the development of individuals' self-esteem and sense of mastery is shaped by their union and parenthood transitions. Moreover, the context where these transitions take place, including the type of union and the living arrangement, moderates the degree of the impact. Our findings have important implications for research and practice in promoting the family transition experience.

Stability and Change in Self-Esteem During the Transition to Parenthood

“…Overall, the birth of the first child had a stronger negative effect on mothers’ self-esteem, indicating that they are more sensitive to the impact of having a first baby than fathers are. It may be that mothers, compared to fathers, are more negatively impacted by the initial stress associated with the new parent role (Chen et al, 2015). Even though the birth of a child is generally considered a positive event, it is still associated with numerous potentially taxing challenges, and these tangible negative aspects of parenthood may offset the more abstract positive characteristics of the event (Dyrdal & Lucas, 2013).…”

“…Perhaps surprisingly, few studies have examined whether and how self-esteem changes in response to major life transitions (e.g., Chen, Enright, & Tung, 2015; Wagner, Becker, Luedtke, & Trautwein, 2015). For example, Chung et al (2014) examined students’ self-esteem development over 4 years of college.…”

“…Directly related to our research, Chen, Enright, and Tung (2015) examined self-esteem change in a large U.S. sample of youth, as they formed marital unions and had children. They found a positive interaction between parenthood status and age effects on self-esteem, suggesting a positive influence of parenthood on age-graded increases in self-esteem.…”

How Good It Would Be to Turn Back Time: Adult Attachment and Perfectionism in Mothers and Their Relationships with the Processes of Parental Identity Formation

“…The transition to parenthood is a life-changing process that has a significant impact on the subsequent development of a parent and a child. Although people who have become parents often experience positive changes (Chen, Enright, & Tung, 2016), difficulties and burdens are also typical parental experiences that increase the risk of later maladjustment (Hansen, 2012;Pollmann-Schult, 2014). Difficulties in the transition to parenthood can result in mental health problems like depression and anxiety, and can lead to low satisfaction with life (Perren et al, 2005).…”

Transición y construcción de la paternidad

“…Los autores señalan que el padre puede ayudar a la madre en el proceso de transición a la parentalidad, pero él también necesita sostén para paternalizarse. Además de necesitar del apoyo afectivo de la madre para volverse un padre interesado, el proceso de paternalización estaría facilitado por la participación del padre en el deseo de tener un hijo, por la preparación para el parto y por su presencia en la sala de parto (Chen, Enright & Tung, 2016;Kowlessar et al, 2014).…”