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The Parenthood and Happiness Link: Testing Predictions from Five Theories.

ABSTRACT: This research studied the relationship between parenthood and life satisfaction in Switzerland. We tested predictions derived from set-point theory, the economic model of parenthood, the approaches that underscore work-family conflict and the psychological rewards from parenthood, and the 'taste for children' theory. We used Swiss Household Panel data (2000-2018) to analyse how life satisfaction changed during parenthood (fixed-effects regression) separately for a first child and a second child, mothers and fathers, and various socio-demographic groups. Our results showed that having a second child, which is common in Switzerland, correlates negatively with mothers' life satisfaction. The observed patterns are consistent with the idea that mothers' life satisfaction trajectories reflect work-family conflict. We found partial support for the set-point and the 'taste for children' theories. Our results did not support the approaches that emphasize the importance of psychological rewards from parenthood.

SUBMITTER: Mikucka M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7113361 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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The Parenthood and Happiness Link: Testing Predictions from Five Theories.

Mikucka Małgorzata M Rizzi Ester E

European journal of population = Revue europeenne de demographie 20190703 2

This research studied the relationship between parenthood and life satisfaction in Switzerland. We tested predictions derived from set-point theory, the economic model of parenthood, the approaches that underscore work-family conflict and the psychological rewards from parenthood, and the 'taste for children' theory. We used Swiss Household Panel data (2000-2018) to analyse how life satisfaction changed during parenthood (fixed-effects regression) separately for a first child and a second child, ...[more]

PMID: 32256262

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Project description:BackgroundFamily planning (FP) can lengthen birth intervals and potentially reduce the risk of foetal death, low birthweight, prematurity, and being small for gestational age. Effective FP is most easily achieved through access to and acceptability of modern contraceptive methods (MCMs). This study aimed to identify mechanisms of acceptability and the contexts in which they are triggered and to generate theories to improve the selection and implementation of effective interventions by studying an intervention integrating FP with childhood immunisation services.MethodsQualitative interpretative synthesis of findings from realist evaluations of FP interventions in five African countries was guided by an analytical framework. Empirical mechanisms of acceptability were identified from semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders (N = 253). The context in which these mechanisms were triggered was also defined. Empirical mechanisms of acceptability were matched to constructs of a theoretical framework of acceptability. Context-acceptability theories (CATs) were developed, which summarised constructs of acceptability triggered for specific actors in specified contexts. Examples of interventions that may be used to trigger acceptability for these actors were described.ResultsSeven CATs were developed for contexts with strong beliefs in religious values and with powerful religious leaders, a traditional desire for large families, stigmatisation of MCM use, male partners who are non-accepting of FP, and rumours or experiences of MCM side effects. Acceptability mechanisms included alignment with values and beliefs without requiring compromise, actors' certainty about their ability to avoid harm and make the intervention work, and understanding the intervention and how it works. Additionally, acceptability by one group of actors was found to alter the context, triggering acceptability mechanisms amongst others.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the value of embedding realist approaches within implementation research. CATs are transferable theories that answer the question: given the context, what construct of acceptability does an intervention need to trigger, or more simply, what intervention do we need to apply here to achieve our outcomes? CATs facilitate transfer of interventions across geographies within defined contexts.

Dataset Information

The Parenthood and Happiness Link: Testing Predictions from Five Theories.

Publications

The Parenthood and Happiness Link: Testing Predictions from Five Theories.

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