the type of couple conflict behavior characteristic of the relationship, in terms of

Gottman's regulated and unregulated couple conflict types. Couple scores were computed

for each of the variables, allowing investigation of the variables' relationships across

couples for most of the research questions rather than only examining the findings for

mothers and fathers as separate groups.

 The data were analyzed through stepwise multiple regression and canonical

correlation analyses. Examining Gottman's couple conflict types resulted in findings

suggesting there are appreciably different ways couples who are first-time parents can

constructively approach conflict. Like others before it, this study's findings also

reiterated the importance of fathers' involvement in the practical and emotional care of

their children, as their participation was related to marital and individual well-being.

Couples' levels of violated expectations were a significant predictor of role

dissatisfaction. Although both husbands and wives tended to report violated expectations

indicating the wives were doing proportionately more family work than had been

expected, wives' level of violated expectations was more related to the study's variables

than was husbands' level of violated expectations.