Dyadic and Triadic Interactions in the Transition to Parenthood.

Most studies of family relationships across the transition to new parenthood have focused on the development of dyadic child-caregiver attachment relationships, guided by the theoretical notion that attachment security supports relational development. Evidence now indicates that the father mother-infant triad constitutes a separate and distinct system level in the family, itself a potentially important force for relational development. In this study, we sought to establish the role of prenatal adult attachment representations in the formation of both postnatal dyadic attachment relations and triadic family play interactions during the baby’s first year. We also examined the relationship between triadic functioning and dyadic mother-infant attachment security at 12 months. 40 expectant couples completed the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) during pregnancy, and were assessed in the Lausanne Trilogue Play situation at 4 and 12 months. Also at 12 months, motherinfant attachment security was assessed in the Ainsworth Strange Situation. Results indicated that prenatal representations of attachment predicted mother-infant attachment security at 12 months, but not triadic family process. We also found no association between triadic family play and infantmother attachment at 12 months. Findings are consistent with the proposition that triadic relationship patterns and dyadic attachment relationships represent autonomous domains in relationship development, driven by distinct trajectories across the transition to new parenthood.