Parenthood, Childlessness, and Well-Being: A Life Course Perspective

J Marriage Fam. 2010 Jun;72(3):612-629. doi: 10.1111/j.1741-3737.2010.00721.x.

Abstract

This article reviews recent research (1999 - 2009) on the effects of parenthood on wellbeing. We use a life course framework to consider how parenting and childlessness influence well-being throughout the adult life course. We place particular emphasis on social contexts and how the impact of parenthood on well-being depends on marital status, gender, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. We also consider how recent demographic shifts lead to new family arrangements that have implications for parenthood and well-being. These include stepparenting, parenting of grandchildren, and childlessness across the life course.