The Effect of Expectations on the Transition to Parenthood

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between expectations of first-time parenthood and ease of transition into the role of parent. Respondents voluntarily completed questionnaires during hospital prenatal classes or natural childbirth classes; postnatal questionnaires were mailed to respondents six weeks after the birth of their child. Both the prenatal expectations and the postnatal ease of transition were measured by a 34-item checklist which tapped both positive and negative aspects of parenthood. A hierarchical, stepwise regression procedure was employed in order to examine separately the effects of expectations and control variables.

Prenatal expectations, age and education exhibited significant relationships with ease of transition to the role of parent: prenatal expectations and age were positively related to ease of transition, while education was negatively related. Expectations of an experience appear to be a strong determinant of the perception of that experience. It was suggested that this might be due to the “self-fulfilling prophecy” or to an attitudinal component of anticipatory socialization.