"Entering parenthood marks a period of major shifts for many couples. Psychological research has yielded conflicting results on how becoming parents affects romantic relationships. Some studies found that becoming parents can strengthen the bond between two people, as they have a shared responsibility in caring for their child. Also, for some couples, not being able to have children together can put a serious strain on the relationship, up to becoming a reason to split up."
"Thus, it could be expected that couples who have children together may have more stable relationships compared to those who do not, but that does not always seem to be the case. Specifically, several psychological studies found negative effects of parenthood on the parents' relationship, as couples with children often report lower relationship satisfaction. This may be due to various stressors related to having a child, such as sleep deprivation, permanent fatigue, financial problems, stress, and conflicts between work and family time."
A large-scale cross-cultural analysis compared relationship quality between parents and childless couples across 25 countries. Parents reported reduced love, passion, and intimacy relative to childless couples while maintaining similar levels of commitment. Multiple stressors associated with raising children—sleep deprivation, chronic fatigue, financial strain, and work–family conflict—appear linked to lower relationship satisfaction among parents. Prior research produced mixed results, with cultural factors shaping outcomes and some couples experiencing strengthened bonds through shared parenting responsibilities. The analysis highlights parenthood as a significant life transition that can strain emotional and intimate dimensions of romantic relationships without necessarily diminishing commitment.
Read at Psychology Today
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