Transition to Parenthood: Problems and Gratifications

This study extends the focus of parenthood research to include a variety of subjectively positive as well as negative outcomes of becoming a parent for the first time. Using a large urban sample, was found to be slight or moderate, and several new variables were found to be significantly related to the ease of dealing with the first year of parenthood. Characteristics of nonrespondents are cited which suggest that they may be experiencing relatively more crisis than respondents. This finding may partially explain the discrepancy found to date in the degree of reported in interview as opposed to questionnaire studies.