Quote
Erbe, D., Diemer, L., & Gerlach, A. (2025). "Regretting parenthood": correlations of regretted parenthood with depression, cost and benefit expectations and socioeconomic factors. Prevention and Health Promotion. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1007/s11553-025-01246-z
Content
Summary
Background
The experience of regretting parenthood continues to be associated with stigmatization. To date, there is limited evidence on the prevalence and underlying factors influencing this phenomenon.
Aim
This study examines associations between regretting parenthood and depression, cost-benefit expectations, demographic variables and socioeconomic background.
Methodology
A hierarchical regression analysis was conducted using data from the 12th wave of the Relationship and Family Panel (pairfam). The sample comprised 2100 people (M = 40.29 years; 62% female, 38% male).
Results
11% of participants would not or rather not decide to have children again. Regretted parenthood was associated with lower parental age, older age of youngest child, more pronounced depressive symptoms, higher perceived psychosocial costs of children and lower socioeconomic status, but not with relationship status, gender or the perceived benefits of parenthood.
Conclusion
Targeted information campaigns should educate young people about optimal conditions for starting a family and aspects of life planning in order to prevent regretful parenthood.