The changes in relationship among married couples after the birth of the first child

Abstract

Purpose

This research explores how husbands view the changes of their marital relationship after the birth of the first child.

Methods

We conducted focus group interviews with nine research participants. Research participants were divided into two groups of five and four, were called for the focus group interview on separate days. We conducted the focus group interview one time for each group. Research participants are males who have become a father to their first child between one to three months prior to the focus group interview. We obtained permission from local Health Centers to gather and interview research participants. Interview data were coded and categorized, using the word-for-word list extracted from the data, and analyzed qualitatively. This research was approved by the Ethics Committee at the Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences.

Results

Married couples change a family upon the partner relationship they have established. Interview data indicated that the couples have been going through major changes after their first child being born. Addition of a new family member has brought married couples new challenges to their relationships; research participants explained they have [created mutual goals with their wives] in order to overcome the challenges. Research participants stated that sharing the same goals enabled them [to share the responsibilities and to adjust their relationships], resulting in showing [appreciation to their partners for making efforts]. Research participants have been trying to understand the role of being a mother, and [added obligations as a husband to support their wife]. Couples [developed the sense of family] by having the mutual goals and coming up with strategies on how to achieve the goals, as well as, showing appreciation to each other.

Conclusion

The birth of the first child brings married couples a major change to their relationship. Participants shared their experiences during the interviews that they redefined their marital relationship, and had created a new mutual goal centering their child. In order to accomplish the goals, research participants have imposed the obligation as a husband in addition to responsibilities of being a father. Participants explained that they have made an effort to maintain the balance between being a partner and a parent, recognizing the transformations of their partners into parents. Being aware of additional role as a parent and recognizing changes in their relationship, the sense of family evolves from the sense of partnership.