Date
4-26-2024
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
Chair
M. Diane Pearce
Keywords
transition to parenthood, relationship satisfaction, parenting expectations, psychological distress
Disciplines
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Giresi, Jill, "The Impact of Infertility on Relationship Satisfaction, Mental Health, and Expectations During the Transition to Parenthood" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 5452.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/5452
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between the method of conception (assisted reproductive technology [ART] vs. spontaneous conception) and the associations between parenting expectations, psychological distress, and relationship satisfaction. First-time parents (N=100) completed an online questionnaire within the first six months postpartum. Results indicated a significant difference in reported postpartum relationship satisfaction between couples who conceived via ART and those who conceived spontaneously, with ART couples reporting higher relationship satisfaction. This result was in the opposite direction than what was hypothesized. All other results were as expected. Postpartum relationship satisfaction was negatively associated with both unrealistic parenting expectations and psychological distress. Mediation analysis indicated that unrealistic parenting expectations partially mediated the association between the method of conception and relationship satisfaction. Couples who conceived via ART reported more realistic parenting expectations, which predicted higher relationship satisfaction. A second mediation analysis indicated that psychological distress mediated the association between the method of conception and relationship satisfaction. Couples who conceived via ART reported more psychological distress, which predicted poorer relationship satisfaction. Taken together, results suggest that couples with a history of infertility who complete successful ART treatments may develop some positive outcomes (e.g., more realistic parenting expectations), but may also experience negative outcomes (e.g., increased anxiety and depression) that persist through the postpartum period. Clinical and research implications are discussed, and future research directions are suggested.
