Family Characteristics and Transitions Following the Birth of a Second Child

Abstract

Many disruptions of routine family life are encountered by family members with the addition of a second child. Due to the unexpected stress that is experienced with this transition, changes in parent-child attachment behaviors, increased marital conflict, socioemotional development shifts in the firstborn, and parental depression are all common. The present study was designed from a family systems perspective to longitudinally examine the transition to siblinghood along with the interrelation of family characteristics as they change. Twohundred families expecting the birth of a second child were examined over the course of 13 months, beginning in the mother’s final trimester of pregnancy through the newborn’s first 12-13 months of life, using extensive observations, in depth family interviews and self-reports