From expectation to strain: how pregnancy time perspective shapes postpartum stress in Poland and Italy

The present study examined the associations between couples’ time perspectives during pregnancy and women’s postpartum stress. Using a cross-cultural longitudinal design, 57 heterosexual couples expecting a child were recruited from Italy (n = 28 couples) and Poland (n = 29 couples). Data were collected at three time points: during the first and third trimesters, and within six months postpartum. The women were assessed using the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and the men completed the ZTPI. The results indicate the presence of cultural differences in the associations between time perspective and postpartum stress. Among Polish women, a heightened past-negative perspective during pregnancy predicted increased postpartum stress. In contrast, among Italian women, a stronger present-fatalistic perspective during pregnancy emerged as a predictor of elevated postpartum stress. These findings are discussed in relation to cultural tendencies to emphasize particular time perspective and their implications for the development of time-perspective-based interventions for expecting couples.