Learning to coparent: A longitudinal, cross-national study on construction of coparenting in transition to parenthood

Learning to
coparent: A longitudinal, cross-national study on construction of coparenting
in transition to parenthood (CopaGloba)

Coparenting
refers to the ways in which parents (or other parental figures) work together
as parents, cooperate in their parental roles, and share their child raising
and care responsibilities. Coparenting can be a source of
support for parents, improving the wellbeing of the child and parents. Effective
coparenting might also ease the transition to parenthood.

CopaGloba -study
contributes new knowledge on the construction of coparenting in an early stage
of parenting. This study combines three perspectives – family, community and
culture – to fully understand the complex developmental and learning processes
and possible drivers and barriers in constructing coparenting during the
transition to parenthood. Cross-national comparisons reveal how coparenting
within families is shaped by welfare policies, family service provision and
cultural expectations and norms. The study also deepens knowledge about the
role of professional and peer support in the promotion of coparenting.

The project was
funded by the Academy of Finland (2019-2023) and it was conducted by the
consortium of the University of Jyväskylä and JAMK University of Applied
Sciences in close collaboration with the National Institute for Health and
Welfare (THL) and international partners from Japan (University of Toyo) and
Portugal (University of Porto).

Following data
sets were gathered in the study:

• Longitudinal interview data of Finnish, Japanese and
  Portuguese parents
• Longitudinal survey data of Finnish, Japanese and
  Portuguese parents
• Longitudinal mobile diary data of Finnish parents
  (eKoutsi)
• Focus-group interview data of Finnish professionals
• Stimulated focus-group interview data of Finnish
  parents