increase across the transition to parenthood, with the division of labor a primary topic of

conflict. Conflict was also found to be highly predictive of new parents' levels of marital

satisfaction. Surprisingly, only a few studies have focused on conflict in new parents'

relationships. Studies focusing on this area have found an increase in conflict avoidance,

perhaps with short-term positive effects and long-term negative effects. Qualitative

studies have provided the most information on new parents' interactional processes,

indicating that couples mutually construct and reinforce their parental roles. Backett's

(1982) qualitative study perhaps goes furthest in detailing how couples manage conflicts

arising around the division of labor. However, her study along with others focusing on

conflict tend to detail challenges and difficulties while providing little information on

positive approaches.

 The extant research on conflict across the transition to parenthood often creates a

dichotomy between constructive and destructive conflict, with constructive approaches

narrowly defined. Heinicke and Guthrie's (1996) study as well as the work by Paley and

her associates (2005) are promising starts as they suggest different approaches to conflict

resolution before the couple has a child can be linked to positive marital outcomes after

the transition to parenthood. A broader definition of constructive conflict seems needed

to better understand how couples use conflict effectively as they manage the challenges

of new parenthood. Because so little is known about the coping strategies couples employ

to challenge or accept gendered parenting roles they often perceive as unfair, and because

these parenting practices impact both parents and children, further research is essential.