commonly referred to it regarding differences in each parent's approach to discipline and

other child rearing practices. The coping mechanism of disapproved expedients involved

couples' seeing their parental behavior as "theoretically incorrect but defensible, given

the prevailing circumstances" (p. 92). This coping strategy was used when parents

disapproved of their behavior, but felt it was the best they could do under stress. Backett

highlighted the necessity of both partners' engagement in the various coping strategies,

noting partners often disputed a coping mechanism, leading it to be ineffectual.

Consequently, she emphasized "the precariousness of the reality being created" (p. 95).

 Conclusions

 Although the transition to parenthood brings many joys to men and women, it also

brings new stresses to couples and impacts their relationships in challenging and often

unexpected ways. One purpose of this review was to investigate extant research on key

changes new parents experience after having their first baby. Changes women experience

seem to be well documented in the research, whereas research on men's experience is

still lacking. However, available research indicates that while no longer considered a

crisis, the transition to parenthood is usually stressful for women and men, and for their

relationships. Marital satisfaction typically declines after a couple has a child. Couples'

relationships tend to become more "traditional" with marital and parenting roles ascribed

by stereotypical gender roles. These practices and the sense of unfairness that often

develops have been linked to declining relationship satisfaction and individual well-

being.

 A second purpose of this review was to understand the interactional processes

present in couples' relationships relevant to the transition to parenthood. However, little

research has been conducted in this area. Extant research does show conflict tends to