Grant: Project Grant

Couple relationships are described as the most significant relationship for a majority of adults, and recognized as a key determinant of mental health. The arrival of a child might be a particularly vulnerable period for parental couple relationships (e.g., conflicts, alliance), and in turn have a negative effect on both parents' mental health and their child's adjustment. An important risk factor related to the health trajectory of parental couples might be the experience of childhood interpersonal trauma (CIT; sexual abuse, neglect, etc). CIT is an endemic social problem associated with longstanding and costly mental health problems that can be exacerbated in the years following the birth of a child. Yet, the complex longitudinal associations between CIT, parental mental health and child adjustment remain unclear. Research including both partners is needed to understand how relationship factors can affect parents and their child. In this project, we will gather novel longitudinal data among parental couples to test relationship factors as the mechanism linking CIT to parental mental health and child adjustment. Both parents will complete questionnaires assessing their CIT, mental health (e.g., stress) and child adjustment (e.g., behaviors problems), at four assessments waves. Interactions among the parental couple will also be assessed using naturalistic observations. The longitudinal design will allow the examination of parental mental health and child adjustment trajectories in the years following the birth of a child, while considering relational factors from the perspectives of both parents. This study will help elucidate how CIT relates to health outcomes in victims, their partner and their child, and identify risk and protection factors, to guide the elaboration of efficient interventions aiming to enhance the health of Canadian families.