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Is perceived inability to procreate associated with life satisfaction? Evidence from a German panel study

ABSTRACT: Highlights • Perceived inability to procreate is associated with lower life satisfaction.• Women and men are similarly affected by the perception of inability to procreate.• Partnership status and intention to have a child moderate the association.• Life satisfaction is relevant for assisted reproductive technology choices. Most studies of the psychosocial consequences of infertility have focused on those who seek medical treatment, leaving a research gap regarding the psychosocial consequences of perceived inability to procreate in the general population. Moreover, most studies are cross-sectional and the results are thus likely affected by omitted variable bias. Inspired by aspects of the Theory of Conjunctural Action, this study analysed 10 waves of data from the German Family Panel (pairfam) for women and men using fixed effects panel regression and including time-varying control variables suggested by theory and research. This study found that both women and men experienced lower life satisfaction in years when they perceived an inability to procreate. This association was not affected by the inclusion of relevant time-varying control variables. Furthermore, the association between perceived barriers to procreation and life satisfaction was found to differ depending on life circumstances and gender. Women with partners and men without partners had lower life satisfaction when they perceived an inability to procreate compared with when they did not. Women and men who intended to have a(nother) child had lower life satisfaction when they perceived an inability to procreate compared with when they did not. The association, however, was only significant for men. Somewhat surprisingly, women who perceived an inability to procreate also had lower life satisfaction when they were not intending to have a(nother) child. This study makes an important contribution to research on the psychosocial consequences of perceived infertility, and provides insights into why some people may pursue assisted reproductive technology for family creation.

SUBMITTER: McQuillan J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8627902 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Is perceived inability to procreate associated with life satisfaction? Evidence from a German panel study

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