In this master thesis, we investigated the challenges of coordinating the partner and parent roles after the birth of the first child. In the theoretical part, we presented the main characteristics of the partner relationship, where we primarily focused on partner choice, the formation of the partner role and interpersonal identity, as well as the importance of communication and ways of resolving conflicts. Furthermore, we examined the factors influencing the decision to have a child, summarized the main characteristics of the pregnancy period, highlighted the fundamental changes in the relationship between partners, and defined the parental identity that is already intensively formed during pregnancy. In the last part of the theoretical section, we focused on the birth of the child and the potential challenges associated with it. Through our research, using the thematic analysis method based on empirical data obtained from interviews with parents, we gained insight into the challenges most commonly faced during the transition to parenthood. The analysis within the main theme, which directly relates to balancing the partner and parental roles after the birth of the first child, offered six fundamental areas that pose the greatest challenge for parents. Furthermore, we can conclude from the results that the challenges are most often identified in the areas of communication, sexuality and emotional intimacy, shared leisure time, and conflicts. Coping with challenges after the birth of the first child is, according to the results, largely related to the success of coping with conflicts and the quality of communication even before the child's birth. Additionally, the results show that the quality of the partner relationship before the birth of the child and the desired or planned pregnancy represent protective factors that can facilitate the transition to parenthood. The results of the master's thesis can be helpful to all new parents facing the challenges of balancing the roles of parent and partner after the birth of their first child. It can also be useful for professionals who, in their work, encounter young couples planning to start a family in the future.
|