Developmental gains and losses during parenthood
The onset of parenthood irrevocably changes the landscape of adults' functioning, amplifying the potential for parents' experiences of both developmental losses and gains/growth, in context of increased responsibilities and more limited access to environmental resources/supports. In this a...
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| Published in: | Current opinion in psychology 2022-02, Vol.43, p.295-299 |
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| Main Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | eng |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Get full text |
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| Summary: | The onset of parenthood irrevocably changes the landscape of adults' functioning, amplifying the potential for parents' experiences of both developmental losses and gains/growth, in context of increased responsibilities and more limited access to environmental resources/supports. In this article, we draw on dual theoretical lenses to integrate the frameworks of Baltes' lifespan development theory of gains and loss and Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model. We summarize empirical evidence in relation to a normative transition, exemplified by the transition to parenthood, and a non-normative event, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and show that parents' experiences of developmental loss and gains/growth are inextricably linked. Our findings illustrate how parents' losses/gains are influenced by a broad range of individual and environmental factors, with implications for parent prevention/intervention programs.
•Parenthood marks the onset of a series of major transitions in the adult lifespan.•Human development is multidirectional, resulting in both losses and gains.•Parents' gains and losses are embedded within interconnecting ecological systems.•The transition to parenthood and Coronavirus (COVID-19) exemplifies significant stressful life events.•Parents with more resources and supports are more likely to show growth. |
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| ISSN: | 2352-250X |