ABSTRACT
RESEARCH QUESTIONS Using GSOEP study data, we investigated if paternal involvement is associated with higher life satisfaction during the transition into parenthood, as measured at three annual waves before and after childbirth. We defined transition into parenthood as a positive developmental phase if both parents’ life-satisfaction levels were elevated by childbirth and did not decline below baseline levels within three years after childbirth. We limited the post-birth period to a maximum of three years because, in Germany, children typically enter childcare at this time, which may be a new demanding phase for parents. We used longitudinal time-use reports for mothers and fathers on housework and childcare, and one maternal subjective measure of fathers’ support in childcare.
