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Married and Cohabiting Finnish First-Time Parents: Differences in Wellbeing, Social Support and Infant Health

Author

Listed:
  • Mirjam Kalland

    (Faculty of Educational Sciences, Siltavuorenpenger 5, P.O. Box 9, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Saara Salo

    (Faculty of Educational Sciences, Siltavuorenpenger 5, P.O. Box 9, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Laszlo Vincze

    (Swedish School of Social Sciences, Snellmaninkatu 12, P.O. Box 16, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Jari Lipsanen

    (Faculty of Medicine, Haartmaninkatu 8, P.O. Box 63, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Simo Raittila

    (Faculty of Social Sciences, Unioninkatu 33, P.O. Box 42, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Johanna Sourander

    (Faculty of Educational Sciences, Siltavuorenpenger 5, P.O. Box 9, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Martina Salvén-Bodin

    (Faculty of Educational Sciences, Siltavuorenpenger 5, P.O. Box 9, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Marjaterttu Pajulo

    (Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland)

Abstract

Cohabitation is more common than marriage when couples are expecting their first child in Finland. However, little is known about possible differences in wellbeing between the two groups. In this study, we examined differences in parental wellbeing, relationship satisfaction, infant health outcomes, and use of social support among cohabiting and married first-time parents. Survey data was collected from 903 parents during pregnancy and at one month postpartum. Cohabiting parents had more depressive symptoms than married parents. They were also less satisfied with their relationships and expressed less satisfaction with the quality of support they got from their partner. Cohabiting fathers did not use the cost-free support from maternity clinics as often as married fathers. Our results show differences in well-being between married and cohabiting first-time parents and that the support from maternity clinics should better acknowledge diversity and address the different needs of different types of families.

Suggested Citation

  • Mirjam Kalland & Saara Salo & Laszlo Vincze & Jari Lipsanen & Simo Raittila & Johanna Sourander & Martina Salvén-Bodin & Marjaterttu Pajulo, 2022. "Married and Cohabiting Finnish First-Time Parents: Differences in Wellbeing, Social Support and Infant Health," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-13, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:11:y:2022:i:4:p:181-:d:796405
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Najman, Jake M. & Aird, Rosemary & Bor, William & O'Callaghan, Michael & Williams, Gail M. & Shuttlewood, Gregory J., 2004. "The generational transmission of socioeconomic inequalities in child cognitive development and emotional health," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 58(6), pages 1147-1158, March.
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