Relationships between parent–infant bonding, dyadic adjustment and quality of life, in an intra-partner sample

Abstract

The transition to parenthood represents a moment of change and adaptation in which the dyadic marital relationship becomes a triadic relationship. Facilitating a positive transition requires a thorough understanding of the explanatory model of the relationship between parental–infant bonding, dyadic adjustment and quality of life (QoL) from an integrative perspective of the family unit. The aim of this work was to analyse the relationships between parent–infant bonding, dyadic adjustment and QoL from an intra-partner perspective, 6–12 months after the birth of a child. A cross-sectional observational study was performed in a convenience sample of 222 couples 6–12 months postpartum, enrolled from October 2013 to March 2016. The mean age of the mothers was 34.07 years (SD = 3.67), and for the fathers, it was 35.75 years (SD = 4.02). Mothers perceived better QoL and greater mother–infant bonding compared to fathers. The perception of an adequate dyadic adjustment, together with positive parent–infant bonding, had positively influenced the individual QoL of both members of the couple 6–12 months after birth. From an intra-partner perspective, the positive transition was influenced by the relationship between parent–infant bonding, dyadic adjustment and QoL. Positive parent–infant bonding in mothers and fathers, as well as promotion of the quality of the relationships between couples, can help promote a better QoL. Positive health results can be achieved in terms of individual and family well-being by designing healthcare interventions that encourage the presence and participation of the family unit.