Baby Brings Marital Bliss

Marriage And Beyond

oi-Staff

By Staff

Thursday, February 19, 2009, 11:21

If you are searching for marital bliss in your relationship, try having a baby. According to two psychologists from the University of California at Berkeley, have broken the myth that marital malaise is having a baby.

The researchers have claimed that if both the partners are happy about the new addition to the family and careful not to backslide into traditional gender roles, more marital bliss follows in day to come. The study conducted by Philip and Carolyn Cowan, who are also fellows with the Council on Contemporary Families, 96 couples were observed six year after their first child was born.

It was observed that those couples who were enthusiastic about child birth experienced more positive feelings in 18 months to follow. However, the relationship tensed further for couples, about one-third who did not want a child. These couple were separated or divorced by the time the child reached kindergarten.

"Given these findings ... it isn't wise for an eager spouse or would-be grandparents to pressure couples to become parents before both are ready,' reported the Cowans, who will present their findings at the council's annual conference in April.

"In light of the long-term consequences ... the decision should not be rushed," they added.AGENCIES