Abstract Objective This study aimed to translate and preliminarily evaluate the Swedish translation of the Parental Stress Scale. Background Parenting is influenced by a complex mix of personal, social, and cultural factors, often leading to stress and exhaustion from competing demands. In Sweden, supportive policies like parental leave and childcare services encourage shared responsibilities and work–life balance. Despite these supports, many parents experience stress related to time constraints, mental health issues, and limited resources, which can impact both their parenting and their child's development. Method A quantitative psychometric design was used. The Parental Stress Scale was translated into Swedish and tested among parents of children aged 0–5 years at two Child Health Centers. The data were examined through psychometric analysis, and a confirmatory factor analysis was performed to assess model fit. Results The goodness of fit of the translated Parental Stress Scale was acceptable, indicating that the translation is appropriate for use in a Swedish context. The chi‐square test revealed a significant p value, likely due to the small sample size, and the relative chi‐square (1.48) fell within the recommended range (2.0–5.0). Conclusion These findings suggest that the translated Parental Stress Scale should be used with caution, as it more accurately measures parental stress than satisfaction among this group of parents. Its use at Child Health Centers enables early stress detection among parents, supports interventions, and complements screening. In research, the scale can help evaluate parenting programs and long‐term studies, promoting international comparison.

Abstract Objective This qualitative study describes U.S. emerging adults' perceptions of communication and relationship quality with extended family members in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Background Research on the pandemic has explored changes in emerging adults and their nuclear family interactions, but there is a gap in understanding extended family relationships, which are often an overlooked protective factor for emerging adults. Method Survey data were collected from 189 U.S. emerging adults ( M age = 24.0 years; SD = 3.2) in August 2022. Thematic analysis was used to analyze open‐ended prompts asking participants to describe their extended family relationships during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Results The analysis resulted in five themes: (1) disconnection and conflict, (2) relational maintenance and intentional connection, (3) the dominance of online communication, (4) generational shifts accelerated, and (5) perceptions of long‐term impact. Results revealed the widespread perception of relationship deterioration, with a minority describing improved relationships. Conclusion These findings contribute to our understanding of the impact of the pandemic on family functioning during the critical life stage of emerging adulthood. Implications Family and mental health professionals are encouraged to invite discussion of extended family with emerging adults to resolve conflict and strengthen bonds.

ABSTRACT Objective This study longitudinally assessed how mobility across geographic regions and work–family conflict influenced spouse employment trajectories and perceptions of career hindrance. Background The unemployment rate for U.S. military spouses has remained 21% since 2015 with specific aspects of military life, such as moving, reported as negatively influencing their careers. Methods Survey data were used for multivariable regression models examining employment trajectories between baseline and follow‐up ( N = 3,149) and perceptions of career hindrance at follow‐up ( N = 2,766). Employment trajectories were categorized as follows: consistent, newly employed, and newly unemployed. Career hindrance was assessed continuously. Results Spouses who moved across geographic regions were more likely to be newly unemployed and less likely to be newly employed at follow‐up than to have consistent employment. Greater career hindrance was reported at follow‐up by spouses who moved across regions and experienced increased work–family conflict. Conclusion Findings suggest mobility was highly predictive of spouses becoming newly unemployed and reporting higher rates of career hindrance. Spouses' reports of increased military‐related work–family conflict also resulted in increased career hindrance. Implications Programs are available to assist military spouses with career development; however, employers should consider ways to help spouses maintain employment after military moves.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to examine the effect of empowerment‐based group work (EBGW) on the empowerment of widowed older adults, with the objective of fostering empowerment at personal, interpersonal, and structural levels throughout the grieving process. Background The loss of a spouse, a widespread and significant crisis, constitutes a multifaceted experience that profoundly impacts individuals in biopsychosocial terms. Method Adopting a phenomenological approach, the study sought to understand the grief experiences and empowerment trajectories of older adults through their personal narratives. In this context, nine participants who had experienced the loss of a spouse no more than 1 year ago were included in the study. Data were analyzed using reflective thematic analysis. Results The analysis yielded three principal themes: (a) participants' personal empowerment journey, (b) postloss reconstruction of relationships and social support, and (c) struggling to reclaim one's place in society. The findings indicate that participants experienced empowerment across personal, interpersonal, and structural domains. Conclusion It is concluded by participants that EBGW was perceived to be a useful and effective intervention. Implications This study stands as one of the pioneering efforts to examine the effects of EBGW for widowed older adults, offering a unique quasiexperimental contribution to the fields of social work and grief studies.

Abstract Objective This article investigates the prevalence of and factors associated with parenthood regret in Switzerland. Background There is increasing evidence that parenthood regrets occur both in mothers and fathers, but little is known about their causes and how they relate to gendered norms and conditions of parenthood. Method Based on a representative nationwide sample (1,923 women and 1,461 men), this study used the crosswise‐model design to address the sensitive question of parenthood regrets. The analysis is based on logistic regression models that are guided by directed acyclic graphs. Results An equal share (29%) of women and men at least sometimes regret parenthood. Fathers who view children as a source of reputation regret parenthood more often. Fathers who view children as a source of new ideas are less likely to regret parenthood. For mothers, circumstances, in particular age and relationship quality, are more important factors. Conclusion Mothers and fathers experience parenthood regret at similar rates. Although conditions of parenthood are especially important for mothers, fathers are more impacted by norms surrounding parenthood. Implications Family policies should focus on improving parenting conditions by addressing financial and caregiving burdens and specifically support men in strengthening their ability to make informed and intentional parenting decisions.

ABSTRACT Objective This study evaluated ELEVATE, an evidence‐based couple relationship education (CRE) program, to explore whether general CRE programs with brief mindfulness components would enhance couple‐focused mindfulness and relationship functioning over time. Background Although mindfulness has been suggested as a significant contributor to relationship functioning and several mindfulness‐based CRE programs have been developed and shown their effectiveness, no research has explored whether general CRE programs with limited mindfulness integration would produce similar benefits. Method Data were from 2,580 individuals in couple relationships. Assessments occurred at baseline, immediately after the program, and at a 1‐year follow‐up. Measures included eight dimensions of couple‐focused mindfulness (i.e., nonjudging, patience, beginner's mind, trust, nonstriving, acceptance, letting go, and noticing), relationship quality, and relationship skills. Results Results revealed significant immediate postprogram increases across all relational mindfulness dimensions and the overall couple mindfulness. Significant effects were sustained for all except trust of self at 1‐year follow‐up. Additionally, immediate gains in couple mindfulness significantly predicted long‐term improvements in relationship quality and skills over a year. Conclusion Even limited mindfulness integration in CRE may promote couple mindfulness to further foster relationship functioning. Implications Practitioners may consider embedding brief mindfulness practices into general CRE programs to support long‐term healthy relationship development.

Abstract Objective This study examined how racial discrimination was related to Asian Americans' coping and adaptive mechanisms in intimate relationships, specifically negative conflict and perceived partner support, and how these dynamics were linked to relationship quality and risk of dissolution. It also explored whether being in an interracial relationship or having a Caucasian partner moderated these associations. Background Asian Americans faced heightened racial discrimination during the COVID‐19 pandemic, yet its impact on relationship functioning remains understudied. Methods The final sample consists of 325 Asian Americans from the National Couples' Health and Time Study, 59.6% identified as men, 78.5% as heterosexual, 64.9% were in interracial relationships, and 59.7% had a Caucasian partner. Results Results from a path model demonstrated that racial discrimination was associated with greater negative conflict and lower perceived partner support, which in turn were linked to lower relationship quality and higher risk of dissolution. Multigroup comparisons indicated neither interracial relationship status nor having a Caucasian partner significantly moderated these associations. Conclusion Racial discrimination was indirectly associated with lower relationship quality and greater relationship risk through conflict and reduced support. Implications Our findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive interventions that address racial discrimination, reduce negative conflict, and foster partner support among Asian Americans during stressful times.

Abstract Objective This study examined how parents of adolescents make sense of their parenting in light of contemporary norms and the meanings they attribute to their coparental coordination. Background Contemporary parenting expectations emphasize meeting both the emotional and physical needs of children, and they are often guided by expert advice and media‐driven recommendations. During adolescence, these norms may also conflict with the developmental need for autonomy, creating potential tensions in the parent–child relationship and in the coordination between coparents. Moreover, they may impact mothers and fathers differently due to prevailing gender roles, affecting how they coordinate and share responsibilities within the coparental relationship. Method Twelve individual interviews of parents of adolescents (six couples) were conducted and analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis within a socioconstructivist framework. Results Three main themes were produced: “endorsement of societal expectations about parental roles,” “the evolving parent–adolescent bonding,” and “gendered teamwork?” Whereas the first and second themes concern how parents make sense of their contemporary parenthood, the third has more to do with coordination within the couple. Conclusion Parents adopt intensive parenting norms while striving to respect adolescents' autonomy. Coordination within the coparental relationship tends to reflect complementary rather than equal roles, which can pose challenges, particularly for mothers. Despite these dynamics, both parents aspire to work as a cohesive team. Implications . This study sheds light on how macro‐level factors, including prescriptive parenting and gender norms, shape coparenting practices during adolescence. It also offers insights for clinicians to better consider the distinct needs and expectations of each gender within the coparental relationship.

Abstract BackgroundWhile American and European research on dyadic coping in couples facing cancer is extensive, studies on Taiwanese couples are sparse.ObjectiveThis study explored dyadic coping strategies and mutual support dynamics among married couples in Taiwan during breast cancer treatment.MethodTen Taiwanese couples participated in semistructured interviews individually to address the research question “How do couples facing breast cancer view the influences of their coping methods on treatment journeys and marital relationships?”ResultsThree dyadic coping themes emerged: (a) engaged in selective communication about stressors while attentively observing each other's emotions and adopting a positive outlook toward cancer‐related challenges; (b) integrated cultural values to shape dyadic coping into a positive framework of shared responsibility due to enqing (恩情) or a pessimistic approach emphasizing ren (忍耐); and (c) prioritized enqing and ren over individual willingness and needs and placing importance on the “provide‐and‐receive” mutual support.ConclusionTaiwanese couples applied dyadic coping in ways uniquely shaped by the Chinese cultural values of enqing and ren to strengthen mutual support during cancer treatment.ImplicationsPractitioners should be sensitive to the cultural context embraced by couples during cancer treatment, appreciating the significance of enqing and ren in dyadic coping.