Status : Verified
| Personal Name | Escote, Johan David E.; Salvador, Christy C. |
|---|---|
| Resource Title | The choice to be childfree: exploring the influence of family life before marriage |
| Date Issued | July 2025 |
| Abstract | This study seeks to explore the influence of childfree individuals’ family of origin experiences on their childfree decision. Utilizing a mixed-methods research approach, 22 Filipino childfree heterosexual couples (44 participants total) aged 28-50 years old were recruited through the purposive sampling method. Quantitative survey results revealed that childfree couples were primarily concerned about societal unsuitability, a stressful environment, their potential children’s job prospects, and uncertainties about the future. Additionally, the couples view childbearing as a threat to their autonomy and personal priorities, while marital issues and dissatisfaction appear to be the least influential factor. From this initial group, five couples (10 participants) were then chosen based on specific inclusion criteria for in-depth semi-structured interviews. Six key themes emerged from the qualitative data: (1) Family Situation Experiences; (2) Perceived Relationship of Parents; (3) Parental Relationship Experiences; (4) Perceived Roles in the Family; (5) Navigating Expectations from Parents on Parenthood; and (6) Most Significant Experience During Childhood. These specific aspects of an individual’s family of origin experiences, particularly childhood experiences marked by significant hardships and emotional and mental strains, poverty, and experiences of a dysfunctional family significantly shape their perceptions on family life and inclination toward the childfree choice. Ultimately, the study’s findings reveal that the childfree decision of Filipino childfree couples is deeply rooted in their childhood cultural and socio-economic experiences, establishing a better understanding of the emerging childfree phenomenon in Filipino society. |
| Degree Course | Bachelor of Science in Family Life and Child Development |
| Language | English |
| Keyword | Childfree choice—Philippines; Married people—Attitudes; Parenthood—Social aspects; Families—Philippines; Childfree couples |
| Material Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
Preliminary Pages
696.90 Kb
Category : P - Author wishes to publish the work personally.
Access Permission : Limited Access