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Prenatal Observations of Coparenting and Couple Interactions in the Emerging Family Triad

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Prenatal Family Dynamics

Abstract

This chapter traces the literature on coparenting and couple interactions across the transition to parenthood and provides the backdrop for research described in the remainder of this book. In this review, we highlight unique methodological issues that arise during prenatal observations of family dynamics. Since prenatal observations of two-parent families contain only two physically active interaction partners, it is particularly important to conceptualize prenatal coparenting as triadic construct. The triadic focus of expectant couples on their future roles as coparents and their engagement with their mentally represented child designates their prenatal behaviors as coparental in nature. The value of utilizing direct observations of prenatal family dynamics and multi-method research designs is emphasized, and subsequent chapter contributions are introduced.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Counseling Psychology Department, Assumption University, Worcester, MA, USA

    Regina Kuersten-Hogan

  2. Family Study Center, Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg campus, St. Petersburg, FL, USA

    James P. McHale

Authors
  1. Regina Kuersten-Hogan
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  2. James P. McHale
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Regina Kuersten-Hogan or James P. McHale .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Counseling Psychology, Department Assumption University, Worcester, MA, USA

    Regina Kuersten-Hogan

  2. Family Study Center, Department of Psychology, University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus, St. Petersburg, FL, USA

    James P. McHale

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Kuersten-Hogan, R., McHale, J.P. (2021). Prenatal Observations of Coparenting and Couple Interactions in the Emerging Family Triad. In: Kuersten-Hogan, R., McHale, J.P. (eds) Prenatal Family Dynamics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-51988-9_2

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