title: Family dynamics of child-bearing families in Athens, Greece: a pilot study.
abstract: The purpose of this pilot study was to describe family dynamics in Greek families during the third trimester of a low-risk pregnancy with a first or second child. The description is based on Barnhill's framework for healthy family systems. The sample consisted of families expecting their first or second child. Both mothers (n = 160) and fathers (n = 47) participated in the study. The Family Dynamics Measure and a sociodemographic questionnaire were used in data collection. Data on 160 mothers and 47 couples were analyzed. Fathers perceived their families as having greater stability and role reciprocity than mothers. Fathers also reported clearer communication than mothers. There were no statistically significant relationships among family dynamics dimensions, maternal age and parity. Delayed first-time expectant mothers reported greater flexibility than normative first-time expectant mothers. The results provide some useful clues for prenatal care and also for further family dynamics research in Greece.
authors.affiliation: University of Athens, Faculty of Nursing, Greece.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Likeridou
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hyrkäs
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Paunonen
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lehti
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016487:Parenting; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000523:psychology*; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D012380:Role; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*