title: Can a Happy Relationship Predict a Happy Life? A Population-Based Study of Maternal Well-Being During the Life Transition of Pregnancy, Infancy, and Toddlerhood.
abstract: The association between overall life satisfaction (LS) and relationship satisfaction (RS) was investigated longitudinally among mothers (N=67,355), using data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Data were collected twice during pregnancy, and at 6 and 36 months postpartum. Satisfaction increased during pregnancy, with RS decreasing immediately following birth and LS showing an initial increase followed by a decrease postpartum. The results showed that LS and RS levels were quite stable over time (.46-.75), as was their cross-sectional associations (.42-.59). Structural equation modeling using a cross-lagged longitudinal model evidenced cross-concept cross-time effects for both LS and RS. The strengths of the cross-effects were asymmetrical and life-phase specific, with RS predicting change in LS more than LS predicted changes in RS during pregnancy and infancy. Having a satisfying romantic relationship is important for retaining and increasing future life satisfaction.
authors: Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1094, Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway.
authors: Gunvor Marie
authors: GM
authors: Dyrdal
authors: Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1094, Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway ; Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
authors: Espen
authors: E
authors: Røysamb
authors: Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
authors: Ragnhild Bang
authors: RB
authors: Nes
authors: Department of Psychology, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway.
authors: Joar
authors: J
authors: Vittersø
keywords: Life satisfaction; Parenthood; Pregnancy; Relationship satisfaction; Subjective well-being