A Proposed Life Cycle for Voluntary Childfree Couples

Abstract

Voluntary childfree couples have unique characteristics and problems from couples with children, including developing ways to escape the pressure from society and others to reproduce. Because of these unique challenges, the normative family life cycle may not adequately describe the stages through which these couples pass or the tasks they complete during the course of the relationship. In this article, we examine how voluntary childless couples fit and do not fit into a traditional family life cycle. We also present an adjusted framework and interventions specific to voluntary childfree couples.

Keywords:

• voluntary childless
• childfree
• couple therapy
• life cycle
• marriage