When parents are in satisfying and supportive marital relationships, it is believed that they will be more available and respond more sensitively to the needs of their children. Alternatively, when partners are dissatisfied with their relationship, the resulting negativity may transfer to relationships with their children (Erel & Burman, 1995; Grych, 2002). Support for this `spillover hypothesis' comes from studies which have shown that increased marital quality is associated with positive parenting behaviors, including parental warmth and sensitivity (Bond & McMahon, 1984; Bonds & Gondoli, 2007; Cox, Owen, Lewis, & Henderson, 1989; Easterbrooks & Emde, 1988; Goldberg & Easterbrooks,1984; Harrist & Ainslie, 1998; Jouriles, Pfiffner, & O'Leary, 1988). For example, Cox et al. (1989) examined marital adjustment and parenting in a sample of couples with a 3-month old infant. Results showed that mothers in close and confiding relationships with their partners were warmer and more sensitive with their children and fathers in close and confiding relationships held more positive attitudes toward their infants. These effects were found even after controlling for parents' psychological adjustment. In another study, Easterbrooks and Emde
