The transition to parenthood: II. Stability and change in marital structure

At 1 year postpartum, 22 of 38 couples demonstrated the same level of marital competence as they had prenatally, 14 couples demonstrated deterioration in their marital relationship, and 2 couples were improved. At each of four levels of marital competence, there was a trend for the couples to demonstrate the same relationship response to parenthood. Highly competent relationships remained at high levels of competence. Competent but pained relationships were most vulnerable to regressive change in structure. Dominant-submissive, complementary relationships tended to remain stable at that level. Dominant-submissive, conflicted or severely conflicted relationships were most unpredictable and stability, regression, and improvement were seen. These findings are explored for possible correlations and are discussed from the perspective of several current models of family development.     

The transition to parenthood: I. The rating of prenatal marital competence

This article is the first of three that will present data from the Timberlawn Psychiatric Research Foundation Young Family Project, a study of the development over time of competent family systems. The Project is briefly described and findings are presented from the initial data collection period. The operational definitions of marital competence and the Continuum of Marital Competence are presented, and the data are interpreted to suggest that the spouses' levels of individual psychological health, their agreement on values, and their socioeconomic status are related to the level of marital competence. The level of prenatal marital competence at Time 1 is used as an independent variable with which to predict both changes in marital structure and incorporation of the child into the family system at 3 months and 1 year postpartum. The results of these analyses will be presented in two subsequent articles.     

Adolescent compliance with dietary guidelines: health and education implications

Through school-sponsored health fairs, 398 adolescents (153 males and 245 females) between the ages of 14 and 18 completed a questionnaire on their compliance with six of the U.S. Dietary Guidelines. Results indicated that adolescents report highest compliance on "eat a variety of foods" and "eat foods with adequate starch and fiber." Conversely, they indicated low compliance on "reduce sugar intake" and "reduce fat, saturated fat and cholesterol intake." Sex differences were noted on two dietary guidelines. Females reported lower compliance with respect to "maintain desirable body weight." Males, on the other hand, reported lower compliance than females on "reduce salt intake." Given the fact that the dietary guidelines of "reduce fat, saturated fat and cholesterol," "maintain desirable body weight," and "reduce salt intake" are all aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk, the low compliance reported by adolescents may have long-range health implications.