Trajectories of relationship quality and conflict in low-income parents receiving home visitation services

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine changes in relationship quality and couple conflict in low-income parents. Background When welcoming a new child, couples often report increased conflict and a decline in relationship quality. However, some scholars maintain couples can transition to parenthood with few negative effects. Low-income, unmarried, and experienced parents remain understudied. Method Utilizing data from a broader parent education project, the study employed dyadic latent growth curve analysis to examine changes over time in relationship quality and conflict. Participants were 216 low-income couples receiving home visitation services who reported on relationship quality and conflict at three time points. Differences between first-time and multiparous parents and among married, cohabiting, and non-residential opposite-sex couples were examined. Results Trajectories of relationship quality and conflict were stable over time. Compared to married and cohabiting couples, non-residential couples reported lower initial relationship quality. When comparing cohabiting and non-residential couples, couples with higher expectations of marriage had higher initial relationship quality and lower initial conflict. Conclusion Some couples navigate the transition to parenthood without negative relationship effects, especially those with higher initial quality, lower initial conflict, and greater expectations of marriage. Implications Policy and practice supporting relationship stability in low-income couples should incorporate a strengths-based approach.