[Interactions between Partnership Quality, Life Satisfaction and Partnership Stability of Mothers with Underage Children - A Ten-Year Follow-up Study].

BACKGROUND

Although a stable and satisfactory relationship is an important aim in life, every third marriage is currently being divorced. Life satisfaction as well as the transition to parenthood seem to be significant factors. Therefore, the current longitudinal study examines the association between relationship quality, stability, life satisfaction of mothers and other family characteristics over a ten-year period.

METHODS

Longitudinal data from N=249 mothers were analyzed in terms of partnership stability, quality, life satisfaction and other variables using regression analyses.

RESULTS

Mother's satisfaction with life remained relatively stable over 10 years, while relationship quality decreased significantly over time. Especially the interindividual life satisfaction seemed to be a significant predictor for long-term partnership quality, mental health of mother and child, social status and critical life events. The initial relationship quality also appeared to be a significant predictor for the perceived life satisfaction and mothers' mental health. Only marginal correlations were found between life satisfaction and partnership stability.

CONCLUSION

This study shows bidirectional associations between relationship quality and life satisfaction over the course of 10 years. Especially life satisfaction seemed to have an impact on diverse family factors. The findings should be used to develop new or existing prevention and intervention programs for partnership, whereas life satisfaction of the individual should be spotlighted.