Final answer:
Upon the birth of their first child, Josh and Juanita are statistically more likely to experience decreased marital satisfaction, which is associated with added stress from financial and emotional changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Statistically speaking, Josh and Juanita will likely experience decreased marital satisfaction upon the birth of their first child. Research, such as the studies by Popenoe and Whitehead, suggests that the transition to parenthood is often accompanied by added financial and emotional stress. Marriages typically enter their most stressful phase with the arrival of the first child, which can contribute to a decline in marital satisfaction. This decline may be more pronounced for couples with multiples, such as twins or triplets, where there is a 17 percent higher chance of divorce compared to those with a single birth.
A general decline in marital satisfaction over time is also a factor, as individuals grow and potentially develop divergent values and life goals from their spouse. Additionally, transitions such as forming a blended family, can add complexity and stress, potentially impacting marital dynamics and satisfaction.