Spouses’ Psychopathological Distress and Marital Quality at Childbirth: Theoretical and Empirical Current Status

In this chapter we will illustrate the state of art of theoretical and research findings on psychopathology during the transition to parenthood as a critical life event. Specifically, three sections will characterize the chapter. The first section will illustrate the causality debate, underlining the position of researchers who consider that marital distress at childbirth might constitute a causal factor in the development of partner psychopathology [1,2] and the position of other researchers who suggest that marital distress may be a consequence of partner psychopathology as well [3]. The second section will discuss the empirical findings on this topic, with a critical attention to their limitations (e.g. the limited attention to male partners). The third section will describe our study on the role of the partners' psychopathology on marital quality at childbirth. Finally, the clinical implications of this research topic will be highlighted. In line with a growing body of evidence attesting the need to redefine the clinical interventions for couples who are becoming parents [4], this chapter will put forward considerations on the importance to plan supportive and educational interventions for those couples that are exposed to major risks.