Predictors of family and marital functioning at early postpartum

Aim: To examine the predictive role of family sense of coherence, social support and stress during pregnancy and their changes from pregnancy to postpartum on family and marital functioning at 6 weeks postpartum. Background: Family sense of coherence plays a significant role in promoting positive family and marital functioning, which is crucial to the child's well-being. However, studies that evaluate the predictive role of family sense of coherence on family and marital functioning during parental transition are limited. Design: The study used a longitudinal design. Methods: Chinese childbearing couples (n = 202) completed assessments of family sense of coherence, stress, social support, and family and marital functioning during pregnancy and at 6 weeks postpartum between January 2011-May 2012. Results/Findings: Mothers with a stronger family sense of coherence, greater social support and less stress during pregnancy experienced less decline in family and marital functioning at 6 weeks postpartum, while fathers with a higher prenatal family sense of coherence and family and marital functioning also experienced less such decline. Conclusion: Couple-based interventions should be initiated early during pregnancy by strengthening family sense of coherence and social support to promote positive family functioning.