Ambivalence in decisions about childbearing

Abstract

We analysed associations of sociodemographic variables, goals, values of children, and partner variables with ambivalence about childbearing and desired number of children in 267 young adults. Ambivalence was associated with lower perceived importance of parenthood, higher importance of prosperity, higher perceived costs of having children, lack of a positive attitude of the partner toward parenthood, and sociodemographic variables. Individuals with high levels of ambivalence were more likely to postpone the decision, and postponing predicted a lower number of desired children.

Keywords:

• ambivalence
• decision‐making
• parenthood

Acknowledgements

The study was supported by a grant of the German Research Foundation as part of the Priority Program 1161.