Interparental Relationship Quality Reduces Parental Stress and Subsequent Family Dysfunction Across Pregnancy and Early Childhood

Authors

• Rachel Clara-Beth Beck, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

Rebecca Brock

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Committee Members

Angela Palmer-Wackerly, Lisa Crockett, Sarah Gervais, Tim Nelson

Department

Psychology

Date of this Version

5-5-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Citation

A dissertation presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy

Major: Psychology

Under the supervision of Professor Rebecca brock

Lincoln, Nebraska, May 2026

Comments

Copyright 2026, Rachel Clara-Beth Beck. Used by permission

Abstract

In this multiple paper dissertation, I found that a higher quality interparental relationship, characterized by more emotional intimacy, support, responsiveness and better conflict management skills, plays a key role in reducing stress and its subsequent impact on family dynamics. Aims and hypotheses were tested using longitudinal data collected from mixed-sex couples during the pregnancy-postpartum transition and into early childhood. In study #1, higher quality interparental support during pregnancy was associated with lower postpartum stress which, in turn, predicted fewer parent–infant bonding impairments. In study #2, a mutually responsive orientation in the couple relationship during pregnancy interacted with intrapersonal regulatory resources (i.e., psychological flexibility) to lower postpartum parenting stress and improve coparenting quality. Finally in study #3, interparental relationship quality (i.e., greater emotional intimacy and conflict management) prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic reduced pandemic-related distress which impacted family functioning when children were preschool age. Collectively, these findings highlight the importance of promoting a high-quality interparental relationship during the pregnancy-postpartum transition, suggesting that interventions targeting interparental dynamics during pregnancy have the potential to promote healthier long-term family dynamics and resilience in the context of stress.

Recommended Citation

Beck, Rachel Clara-Beth, "Interparental Relationship Quality Reduces Parental Stress and Subsequent Family Dysfunction Across Pregnancy and Early Childhood" (2026). Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–. 505.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissunl/505