This book provides a new approach by examining gender and the transition to parenthood by using the actor partner interdependence model. Unlike other books which focus on the individual perspective of becoming a parent (especially for mothers), this book examines how couples and individuals successfully navigate this important life passage. This book covers a mix of psychological and sociological studies on the transition to parenthood. Readers will learn about the affective, behavioral, and cognitive aspects of this transition in early 21st century America and how it has changed in the past three decades. The book is aimed at graduate students, researchers and professionals who are interested in an interdisciplinary approach to this most formative passage in adult life. By bringing together past and current research, this book tells the story of becoming parents in 21st century America from his, her, and their points of view. Actor-partner interdependence model approachAffective, behavioral and cognitive processesBroad review of gender and the transition