2 - (SYM 40) Predictors of Change in Relationship Satisfaction in Black Postpartum Mothers

The transition to parenthood often elicits both joy and challenges for mothers and their partners. Although many couples experience a decline in satisfaction during this period, others maintain positive adjustment. However, much of this research has focused on White, middle-class, married couples, leaving open questions about predictors of postpartum relationship functioning among more diverse samples. The current study addresses this gap by examining individual, relational, and contextual predictors of changes in postpartum relationship satisfaction in a sample of Black first-time mothers living in the rural Southern U.S.  

Black mothers (N=93) from a larger study of the transition to parenthood were included. Mothers were on average 24-years-old, received Medicaid (81%), and had a median high school education. A majority were unmarried and cohabitating (53%) and another 23% were married. Mothers reported on relationship satisfaction at 1, 8, and 16 weeks postpartum. Mothers also reported on individual, relational, and contextual variables at week 1: sleep difficulties, relationship commitment, partner support, cohabitation status, and racial discrimination. Growth curve analyses were conducted using multilevel modeling to examine trajectories of relationship satisfaction over time. Individual, relational, and contextual variables were included as predictors of the intercept and slope of relationship satisfaction from 1 to 16 weeks postpartum.

Relationship satisfaction significantly decreased from 1 to 16 weeks postpartum. Higher commitment, higher partner support, and cohabitation at week 1 (relative to those living apart) predicted higher initial satisfaction that was maintained across time. Mothers with higher-than-average sleep problems and racial discrimination at week 1 showed greater declines in satisfaction, whereas mothers with lower-than-average sleep problems and discrimination did not significantly decrease.

These findings highlight that among these mothers experiencing the transition to parenthood in a context often presenting significant environmental adversities, specific individual, couple, and contextual factors were associated with relationship resilience. Under certain conditions, mothers were able to maintain high relationship satisfaction over time. Interventions that promote individual well-being, enhance positive relationship dynamics, and reduce the presence and impact of environmental adversity are needed to bolster couple functioning in the early postpartum period.