Core dimensions of intimate relationship quality: Network analyses from the prenatal to postnatal period.

Abstract

The pregnancy to postpartum period is a critical time for couples, characterized by adjustments and challenges that can place them at risk for relationship decline. A deeper understanding of the multidimensional nature of intimate relationship quality during this transition is needed to effectively support couples. Despite recognizing that intimate relationship quality comprises interconnected domains, less is known about which aspects are the most pivotal for maintaining healthy relationship functioning during the pregnancy-postpartum period. The present study employed network analysis to address this gap, analyzing interview data from 159 mixed-sex couples. By modeling contemporaneous and cross-lagged network models, we assessed the influence and centrality of relationship domains including emotional intimacy, conflict management, sexual quality, respect, and support from pregnancy to 6 months postpartum. Our findings revealed that emotional intimacy and conflict management are the most central and influential domains of the relationship quality networks both contemporaneously and longitudinally. Results suggest that interventions aimed at enhancing emotional intimacy and managing conflict could be particularly effective during the prenatal and postpartum periods. Future research should continue to explore these dynamics, with an emphasis on longitudinal designs and diverse samples to inform the generalizability of the present findings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).