[International research in family dynamics].

The purpose of this study is to describe the family dynamics of families expecting their first or second child. The aim is to describe how mothers and fathers differ in their views on family dynamics and what differences there are between families expecting their first or second child. The study forms part of an international comparison study which is currently under way in the United States, Estonia and in the Nordic Countries. In the theoretical part of the study family dynamics is examined using the framework developed by Barnhill (1979). The study was carried out in the Turku and Rauma regions where a total of 136 families were involved. The families were clients of maternity clinics and were expecting their first or second child. Family dynamics was studied during the third trimester of pregnancy. A family dynamics questionnaire and measure developed by the Family Research Group in the United States were used in the study. Both instruments were based on Barnhill's (1979) conceptual framework of the functioning of healthy families. As statistical methods frequencies, correlations and the T-test were used. Both mothers and fathers reported moderate individuation and flexibility, clear communication, mutuality and role reciprocity. Mothers reported more role conflict than fathers who reported more isolation, rigidity and distorted communication than mothers. There were no significant differences between families expecting their first or second child in terms of individuation, flexibility, stability and communication. After childbirth the latter reported more isolation and role conflict.