others (depending on whether a resolution to the conflict was reached). Kluwer (1997)

ascertained with her sample of expectant couples that mutual avoidance of conflict was

associated with negative conflict outcomes. Similarly, Belsky and Kelly's (1994)

research with 250 couples who were interviewed, surveyed, and observed from late in

pregnancy to 3 years postpartum found consistently using avoidance as a conflict strategy

led to greater difficulty managing the transition to parenthood. Belsky and Kelly noted

conflict-avoidant couples previously had maintained connection by sharing activities

rather than sharing emotions; because mothers' and fathers' activities tend to sharply

diverge, new parents who avoid conflict may also sacrifice intimacy.

 Along with changes in couples' relationships and approaches to conflict, it is

important to note specific areas of conflict. While a study of 494 Dutch couples expecting

their first child found women more commonly expressed discontent with the couples'

division of household labor than did their partners (Kluwer et al., 1997), Cowan and her

associates (1985) noted both new mothers and fathers rated issues concerning the division

of labor as the primary topic of their conflicts. Cowan and Cowan (1985, 1988, 2000)

found role differentiation in the division of labor along with other incidents splitting men

and women's experiences rather than encouraging mutuality to be associated with

increased conflict and reduced satisfaction with the relationship. At the same time, they

stated "above and beyond issues of equity and fairness in the actual division, partners'

satisfaction was related to whether and how family tasks were discussed" (P. A. Cowan

& Cowan, 1988, p. 131). Couples who share household and parenting responsibilities are

far from immune from conflict. Fox (2001) noted several of the couples in her study who

conflicted over the division of housework had relatively egalitarian divisions of labor.