Transição tardia para a parentalidade

Abstract

The birth of a child is a pivotal event in a couple's life, which requires profound transformations and adaptations in their lives, which can cause imbalances and vulnerabilities in the spouses themselves and as a couple, and have implications for the development of children. In today's Western society, parenthood is increasingly postponed until ages over 35 (for women). However, the experience of late parenthood is relatively little explored from a psychological point of view, especially in the Portuguese population. Thus, this work aims to understand the impact that the birth of the first child has on the couple's relationship and how the transition to parenthood is experienced at a later age, within a qualitative approach, based on the symbolic relational model of Cigoli and Scabini. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with five couples, aged between 38 and 48, using the Generational Clinical Interview and the application of the Family Genogram. As main results, we observed that the birth of the first child has a positive and negative impact on the couple's routines and dynamics, producing changes in their relationship. The lack of mutual help between members of the couple is the most significant negative factor, and the admiration of the other in the parental role is one of the aspects considered most positive at the birth of the first child. Couples refer to the need to adapt to this new reality, the birth of their first child. The main reasons given for late parenthood relate to the search for stability, whether professional or financial, and the desire to achieve goals and have more time for their children. Although the couples interviewed view the transition to late parenthood as normal, they say it is more challenging, highlighting the less energy available and generational changes as the main challenges; on the other hand, they believe that they benefit from greater maturity, family support and stability.

Date of Award	15 Apr 2024
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Fabrizia Raguso (Supervisor)