It (may) not come as a surprise to parents, but having children really does impinge on marital bliss. Nine in ten couples (suffer) a downturn in 'marital satisfaction' once the first child is born, according to an eight-year study. And relationship and stress problems are worse for those who live (together) before getting married and starting a family.
The findings will ring true for millions of (parents) who found everything from their finances to their sex lives suddenly changed with a new arrival. But the researchers insist the findings should not be (seen) as a reason to remain childless as bringing children into the world can bring a 'whole dimension of family happiness'.
Psychologists at the universities of Denver and (Texas) examined the marriages of around 220 couples over an eight-year period. They found 90 percent suffered what they called a 'decrease in marital satisfaction' after the birth of a child.
Childless couples suffered the same (problems) - only a little later, explained Denver University psychology professor Scott Stanley.
He said: 'Couples who do not have children (also) show diminished marital quality over time.
However, having a baby (accelerates) the deterioration, especially seen during periods of adjustment right after the birth of a child.'
The research, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, found relationship problems were worse (for) those who had lived together first - possibly because long-established shared routines are more (disrupted) by new arrivals.
Questions)
1. Do you agree with the writer's opinion?
2. In your opinion, how important are the children for a family?
