ABSTRACT This study sought to examine the associations between parental identity commitment, in-depth exploration, and reconsideration of commitments with mental health outcomes (i.e., symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety). Furthermore, the current study examined differences in associations between both current and expecting parents. A diverse cross-sectional sample of 328 current and expectant parents (82.6% female; Mage = 35.36 years; SD = 11.34 years, range 18–76 years) completed an online survey measuring parental identity, depressive symptoms and general anxiety. Consistent with previous literature and our hypothesis, parental identity commitment was negatively associated with generalized anxiety and depression. Additionally, reconsideration of commitment was positively associated with generalized anxiety and depression. In-depth exploration was positively associated with symptoms of anxiety, possibly as a result of lengthy periods of apprehension or questioning of parental identity. No significant difference was found among first-time expecting parents and current parents regarding the association between parental identity processes and mental health outcomes. Findings from this study illustrate the role parental identity has in general adult adaptation and shows the importance of mental health prevention and intervention programs for current and expecting parents.

中文翻译：

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父母身份与内化问题关系的检验：性别和父母地位差异的初步检验

摘要 本研究旨在检验父母身份承诺、深入探索和重新考虑承诺与心理健康结果（即抑郁症和广泛性焦虑症的症状）之间的关联。此外，当前的研究检查了当前和预期父母之间关联的差异。由 328 位现任和准父母（82.6% 为女性；法师 = 35.36 岁；SD = 11.34 岁，范围 18-76 岁）组成的不同横截面样本完成了一项在线调查，测量父母身份、抑郁症状和一般焦虑。与之前的文献和我们的假设一致，父母身份承诺与广泛性焦虑和抑郁呈负相关。此外，重新考虑承诺与广泛性焦虑和抑郁呈正相关。深入探索与焦虑症状呈正相关，这可能是由于长时间担心或质疑父母身份所致。在父母身份过程与心理健康结果之间的关联方面，第一次怀孕的父母和现任父母之间没有发现显着差异。这项研究的结果说明了父母身份在一般成人适应中的作用，并表明了心理健康预防和干预计划对现任和准父母的重要性。在父母身份过程与心理健康结果之间的关联方面，第一次怀孕的父母和现任父母之间没有发现显着差异。这项研究的结果说明了父母身份在一般成人适应中的作用，并表明了心理健康预防和干预计划对现任和准父母的重要性。在父母身份过程与心理健康结果之间的关联方面，第一次怀孕的父母和现任父母之间没有发现显着差异。这项研究的结果说明了父母身份在一般成人适应中的作用，并表明了心理健康预防和干预计划对现任和准父母的重要性。