Partners Now Parents: Supporting Couples During the Journey to Parenthood

Abstract

Becoming a parent is a highly anticipated milestone for many couples, yet previous research suggests that most couples experience a sharp decline in romantic satisfaction. However, there are few virtual, group-based couples prevention programs for first-time parents. The present study examined the feasibility and effectiveness of a newly developed prevention program for the journey to parenthood, the Partners Now Parents program. Sixty-six racially and socioeconomically diverse expecting parents (33 couples) participated in this small, pilot examination. Seventeen couples were assigned to receive five teletherapy prevention program sessions over the course of the perinatal period, and 16 couples were assigned to an active control group receiving psychoeducation via email. We found a less steep decline in romantic satisfaction for those in the prevention program as compared to the active control group. The findings suggest that the prevention program is feasible, effective, and favorably received by participants. Prevention programs for expecting parents offer entry into mental health support with reduced mental health stigma when couples may be most open to change as they prepare for parenthood.