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Researchers at the University of Denver (Colorado) and Texas A&M University (College Station) studied 218 couples in the Denver, Colorado area for eight years—most with children and a lesser number without.
The researchers videotaped couples discussing a recent problem or argument. Over the eight year period the researchers also provided the couples with annual questionnaires about their marriage.
They were asked to rate various aspects of their marriage from high to low in satisfaction.
After analysis of all the data, the researchers found that 90% of the couples had less satisfaction in their marriages after their first child was born.
Their marital bliss began to rapidly decline within the first year of having the first toddler
Although not surprising in the least to parents, this study does help to put statistics to the idea that children place extra stress and strain on the happiness of many marriages.
It is considered one of the more in-depth studies of happiness and stress for married couples with children.
Page two continues.
According to the University of Denver article “New research shows children take a toll on marital bliss,” the study was conducted by Brian Doss, Texas A&M, and Howard Markman, Galena Rhoades, and Scott Stanley, all from the University of Denver.
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In the April 8, 2009 DU article, DU psychologist Scott Stanley, one of the authors, stated, “Couples who do not have children also show diminished marital quality over time. However, having a baby accelerates the deterioration, especially seen during periods of adjustment right after the birth of a child."
The study also found that couples who lived together before tying the knot experienced more problems that those who did not live together before marriage.
Of interesting note, couples whose parents fought or were divorced also experienced more problems than couples who did not live together before marriage.
In fact, in the April 10, 2009 Denver Post article “Study: Marital bliss plummets after birth of first child,” Dr. Stanley said the couples who had the “biggest jolt at baby time” were couples that were the most romantic before he baby arrived
Dr. Stanley, who is also the co'‘director of the Center for Marital and Family Studies at the University of Denver, added, "Declines are somewhat normal in marriage. For those having children, they are going to be more concentrated around the time that you have children." [Denver Post]
Page three concludes with some good news for some married couples with children.
On the other hand, the research did show that some couples did experience enhanced marital bliss after the birth of their first child.
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Dr. Stanley warns, however, "There are different types of happiness in life and that while some luster may be off marital happiness for at least a time during this period of life, there is a whole dimension of family happiness and contentment based on the family that couples are building."
"This type of happiness can be powerful and positive but it has not been the focus of research.” [Eureka!]
An interesting article on levels of happiness around the world is found in the PEW Global Attitudes Project article "Happiness Is Increasing in Many Countries -- But Why?".
It states that rising incomes is one major reason for increased happiness but it is not the only reason.
