The Presence of Children and Couple-Relationship Satisfaction in Sweden

Abstract

The present study analyzes the effect of children on satisfaction in couple-relationship in Sweden, using the 1996 “Survey on Work and Economy in Swedish Family” data. The results of hierarchical multiple regression analyses show that the effect of children on relationship satisfaction is partially explained by the division of housework and assessment of household economy. However, the findings also show that people with children are less satisfied with their relationship compared to those without children even when other factors are being controlled for. Both women and men with youngest children aged 2 to 5 are found to have a lower level of relationship satisfaction, compared to those without children. Assessment of household economy and the division of housework have the strongest effects on relationship satisfaction for men and women respectively. Findings from studies in the United States are replicated in Sweden despite the latter's comprehensive state support for raising children.