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The well-being of cohabiting and married couples during pregnancy: Does pregnancy planning matter?

Université de Moncton, eml5743{at}umoncton.ca

Geneviève Bouchard

Université de Moncton

Cohabiting women are less likely to plan their pregnancies than married women. Research on marital and pregnancy statuses remains distinct and, consequently, the effects of both variables are confounded. The aim of the present study was to examine the moderational role of pregnancy planning in the relationship between marital status and future parents' well-being. A sample of 154 French-Canadian couples expecting their first child completed assessments of pregnancy planning and of well-being (i.e., anxiety, depression, satisfaction with life, and dyadic adjustment) during the third trimester of pregnancy. Results show that pregnancy planning efforts contribute to future parents' well-being only if they are married. Similarly, marriage offers more benefits than cohabitation, but only if partners have planned the pregnancy.

Key Words: Canada • cohabitation • marriage • pregnancy • psychology • unplanned pregnancies • well-being

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Vol. 26, No. 2-3, 141-159 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0265407509106705


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