Date of Award

2003

Degree Name

School Psychology

College

College of Education

Type of Degree

Ed.S.

Document Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Fred Krieg

Second Advisor

Libby Boyles

Third Advisor

Tony Goudy

Abstract

Little research exists examining the behavioral and attitudinal changes of first-time expectant fathers. This study was designed to identify any significant relationship between assessment instruments classified as Relationship Measures and Behavior Measures. A longitudinal study of 23 first-time expectant fathers examining identifiable trends and assessment instruments was conducted by a 13 member cohort group. The study took place within 200 mile radius of the “Upper Ohio Valley.” A Correlation Matrix containing each instrument was chosen to examine the variables within Measure in an attempt to identify significant correlations. Results indicate significant correlations were observed between Anxiety in the third trimester and Narcissism in the second trimester, Anxiety in the first trimester and Self-Esteem in the first trimester, Anxiety in the third trimester and Self-Esteem in the first trimester, Anxiety in the third trimester and Self-Esteem in the third trimester. Significant correlations exist between the Relationship Assessment Scale and the Index of Marital Satisfaction. The Relationship Assessment Scale in the first trimester shows significant correlation with Anxiety in all three trimesters; the Relationship Assessment Scale in the second trimester is significantly correlated with Anxiety in the second trimester. A significant correlation is represented between the Index of Marital Satisfaction and Anxiety in all but the second trimester for the Index of Marital Satisfaction and the first and third trimesters for Anxiety. A significant correlation is present in all three trimesters of the Index of Marital Satisfaction when compared with the first trimester of Narcissism, and Narcissism correlates at a significant level with the first and third trimesters of the Index of Marital Satisfaction.

Subject

Fatherhood - Psychological aspects

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