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The paper contributes to the theme of the special issue by making auto/biography the focal point of analysis and theorising its potential to be mobile or immobile. The theoretical developments of the paper are grounded in a mobilisation of life-without-children auto/biographical non-fiction across the last 10–15 years, in which those who do not have children, whatever the reason, have opened-up about their stories and found ways to share them with one another. The paper explicates an original concept immobile autobiography defined as: 'life narratives that are invisible and side-lined, essentialized or not told in first person, and whose circulation both within (intra) and between (inter) generations is structurally limited'; and its converse mobile autobiography. (Im)mobile auto/biographies include, but cannot be reduced to, digital and physical mobilities. The potential of the concept lies in its ability to consider how lives, and the stories told about them, evolve, circulate and perform transformation, as they intersect with, transgress and re-shape changing cultural climates of a mobile world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION Are cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors causally associated with higher risk of infertility among women and men? SUMMARY ANSWER We found evidence to support a causal relationship between smoking initiation and history of infertility in women. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Several CVD risk factors are associated with history of infertility. Previous studies using Mendelian randomization (MR) further support a causal relationship between BMI and infertility in women. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We used data from the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) in Norway, a prospective population-based cohort study, including 26 811 women and 15 598 men participating in three survey collections in 1995–1997 (HUNT2), 2006–2008 (HUNT3), and 2017–2019 (HUNT4). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Our outcome was women's self-reported history of infertility, defined as ever having tried to conceive for 12 months or more or having used ART. We assigned the history of infertility reported by women to their male partners; therefore, the measure of infertility was on the couple level. We used both conventional multivariable analyses and one-sample MR analyses to evaluate the association between female and male CVD risk factors (including BMI, blood pressure, lipid profile measurements, and smoking behaviours) and history of infertility in women and men, separately. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 4702 women (18%) and 2508 men (16%) were classified with a history of infertility. We found a higher risk of infertility among female smokers compared to non-smokers in both multivariable and MR analyses (odds ratio (OR) in multivariable analysis, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.12–1.28; OR in MR analysis, 1.13; CI, 1.02–1.26), and potentially for higher BMI (OR in multivariable analysis, 1.13; CI, 1.09–1.18; OR in MR analysis, 1.11, CI, 0.92–1.34). In multivariable analysis in women, we also found evidence of associations between triglyceride levels, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lifetime smoking index, and smoking intensity with higher risk of infertility. However, these results were not consistent in MR analyses. We found no robust or consistent associations between male CVD risk factors and infertility. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our main limitation was that the CVD risk factors measured might not adequately capture the relevant time periods for when couples were trying to conceive. Additionally, we did not have information on causes of infertility in either women or men. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Women with infertility could have a worse CVD risk factor profile and thus public health interventions aimed at reducing the impact of some CVD risk factors, such as smoking and BMI, could reduce the burden of infertility. However, additional MR studies of the relationship between CVD risk factors and infertility with a larger sample size would be of value. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was supported by a grant from the European Research Council under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (grant agreements no. 947684). This research was also supported by the Research Council of Norway through its Centres of Excellence funding scheme (project no. 262700) and partly funded by the Research Council of Norway, project: Women's fertility—an essential component of health and well-being (project no. 320656). D.A.L. and A.F. work in a unit that is supported by the University of Bristol and the UK Medical Research Council (MC_UU_00011/6). D.A.L.'s contribution to the article is supported by the European Research Council (101021566), the British Heart Foundation (CH/F/20/90003 and AA/18/7/34219). S.B.'s contribution to the article is supported by the Wellcome Trust (225790/Z/22/Z). B.M.B. is funded by The Liaison Committee for education, research and innovation in Central Norway; and the Joint Research Committee between St. Olavs Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU. The genotyping in HUNT was financed by the National Institute of Health (NIH); University of Michigan; The Research Council of Norway; The Liaison Committee for education, research and innovation in Central Norway; and the Joint Research Committee between St. Olavs Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU. None of the funding organizations influenced the study design, reporting, or interpretation of results. The views expressed in the present article are those of the authors and not necessarily any acknowledged funding organization. D.A.L. reports grants from Medtronic Ltd and Roche Diagnostics outside the submitted work. The other authors have no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article responds to a gap in knowledge about how screenwriters represent the figure of the child-free woman as a protagonist in the twenty-first century biographical screen drama. My initial research into the twenty-first century biopics has uncovered problematic representations of women who are child-free, including the dehumanizing portrayal of actor Marilyn Monroe in the 2022 feature Blonde or the love-fixated writer Jane Austen in the 2007 biopic Becoming Jane or the pronatalist depiction of intrepid foreign correspondent Marie Colvin in A Private War (2018). While theorists are aware of the negative representations of child-free women in film and television, there is very little research on depictions of these women in the twenty-first century biopic, presenting an opportunity for a concentrated study that can bring theory to screenwriting practice. Where the extant literature points to problematic representations of child-free women, it does not go further to suggest possible solutions, in this case, in more nuanced film and television representations. Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that negative representations of child-free women in film and television might have wider implications for child-free women in society. How, then, might the screenwriter play a role in this? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature on how family status and health in later life relate is extensive. Although research has focused on the health effects of grandparenthood and grandparenting, explorations of whether ageing without children can lead to mental health impairments have achieved mixed results. We bridge empirical traditions to investigate the relationship between family status and mental health in Europe by using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) and sampling roughly 160,000 men and women aged 50–89 from 17 European countries. Mental health is evaluated through depressive symptoms on the EURO-D scale and compared between childless or grandchildless people and grandparents at different ages. To identify the association between (grand)parenthood and mental health status net of confounders, we perform inverse probability-weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA). The rich information SHARE provides facilitates considering the common factors that may influence (grand)parenthood and depressive symptoms. Results show that the three groups hardly differ in mental health: grandchildless men and grandfathers reported fewer depressive symptoms, if any, than childless men aged 70–79. Overall, while mental health does not seem to relate to family status per se, it could be crucial when accounting for the entire individual life course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unmet cultural norm of motherhood can constrain a woman's sense of social equality. Childlessness is often accompanied by social stigma and shame. The author identifies personal barriers within both patient and analyst that were unforeseen prior to the treatment process. The author implements reverie to open deeper aspects of her mind that allows further exploration into the patient's dreams. This interplay between analyst and patient evokes additional memories from the patient's earlier life. The paper is written in a lovely prose style that demonstrates the creative growth of the author while transforming the artistic pursuits of the patient. Both patient and analyst benefit from this mutual awareness of limitations towards new creative possibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overtime, choosing not to have children has become a more common phenomenon. Alongside this change, studies have found that women without children are just as fulfilled, if not more so, in their lives as those who have had children. These studies, in the context of theories of second-wave feminism, psychosocial theory, and stigma theory, are reviewed. This study presents a dissatisfied older woman who has not had children to examine the differences in such cases. As a product of thematic analysis, five themes stand out during Holly's interview: focus on the past, stigma, fear, relationships with younger generations, and regret. Results are discussed in the context of what they may mean for future research and practice with the suggestion that perhaps an over-focus on the past, in lieu of present and future circumstances, may be a factor in childless women's dissatisfaction in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population of adults who neither have nor want children is large and growing. However, it remains poorly understood because its members can be difficult to identify in traditional demographic surveys, and existing research on the population uses a range of methods and terms. In this paper, we review current practices, then to bring a level of consistency and comparability to this literature, we propose a common framework for studying this population. First, we recommend that researchers use the term "childfree" to describe adults who neither have nor want children, because the term is short, widely used, and preferred by members of this population. Second, we recommend that researchers define childfree adults by neither having nor wanting biological or nonbiological children, recognizing that one's childfree status may change over time. Third, we recommend that researchers identify childfree adults in surveys using "want" questions (e.g., do you want children?), in combination with other questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This qualitative study aimed to gather insights into the experiences of older adults after losing their only child and explore meaningful life needs as a basis for social interventions. Methods: We conducted individual face-to-face interviews with 29 participants from 10 communities in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and then analysed using the inductive category development of conventional content analysis. Results: The experience of losing an only child was devastating and linked with a helpless life in old age. The analysis generated the following three themes encompassing their lived experiences and needs: afraid of getting sick, lying on the edge of misery and surrounded by loneliness. Conclusions: Losing an only child triggered older adults' feelings of being misunderstood, disconnected and hopeless. They had an increased likelihood of lacking more on love and belonging, esteem and self-actualization needs than their physiologic and safety needs. Findings from our study will raise awareness on this vulnerable group and help design intervention programmes targeting the specific needs of this neglected segment of the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Childbearing is known to be the most critical change factor in population construction. So, the present study was conducted to investigate the impact of childbearing education based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) on the behavioral intention of childless couples. Methods: The present field trial was conducted on 70 childless referred to holistic health centers in Shahrekord in 2022. The study setting was selected by cluster sampling, and the participants were selected by convenience sampling. The instruments used were a checklist of demographic characteristics/childbearing and a questionnaire of childbearing intention. Both groups completed the questionnaire before, immediately, and one month after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26. A P value0.05). However, the mean scores obtained for the constructs in the intervention group immediately and one month after the intervention were significantly different from those in the control group (P

Copyright of Enfances, Familles, Generations is the property of Enfances, Familles, Generations and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

BackgroundA familial history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) predisposes an individual to develop RA. This study aimed at investigating factors associated with this conversion from the Tatarstan cohort.MethodsA total of 144 individuals, referred to as pre-RA and at risk for familial RA, were selected 2 years (range: 2–21 years) before conversion to RA and compared to non-converted 328 first-degree relatives (FDR) from RA as assessed after ≥2 years follow-up, and 355 healthy controls were also selected (HC). Preclinical parameters and socio-demographic/individual/HLA genetic factors were analyzed when data were available at the time of enrollment.ResultsAs compared to FDR and HC groups, pre-RA individuals were characterized before conversion to RA by the presence of arthralgia, severe morning symptoms, a lower educational level, and rural location. An association with the HLA-DRB1 SE risk factor was also retrieved with symmetrical arthralgia and passive smoking. On the contrary, alcohol consumption and childlessness in women were protective and associated with the HLA-DRB1*07:01 locus.ConclusionBefore RA onset, a combination of individual and genetic factors characterized those who are at risk of progressing to RA among those with familial RA relatives.

Copyright of Makara Human Behavior Studies in Asia is the property of DADPPRI UI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Demographic trends in parenthood have revealed that more people are living their lives without children. Societal assumption, however, is that the childfree life is lacking in fulfillment. Understanding whether there is an association between being childfree and life satisfaction may provide relevant information on how to better support individuals who do not have children. Although there are many studies with the purpose of examining childlessness and some measure of general well-being, this review synthesizes such scholarship examining life satisfaction of persons without children. This review assessed published peer-reviewed articles in six social science databases (Social Science Premium, PubMed, PsycInfo, SearchWise, Google Scholar, and SagePub) between 1979 and 2020 and identified 15 articles for inclusion. Examining childfree persons, the results of this review indicate a positive association between childlessness and life satisfaction. The results of this review support the need for greater exploration of the context of life satisfaction among diverse groups of childfree older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with the problematics of childfree in sociological discourse. It is noted that the concept of "childfree" appears in the context of rethinking the prevailing public discourse about childlessness. If the concept of “childless” refers to people who are childless for reasons beyond their control, then the concept of “childfree” refers to people who are childless because they themselves made such a choice. Attention is focused on the insufficient development of this issue in modern Ukrainian sociology. A review of sociological studies of the childfree phenomenon, implemented using qualitative methods, is carried out. In particular, the work of the British sociologist Josephine Davies, devoted to the question of how women who choose not to be mothers experience the period from 45 to 55; the study by J. Veevers, who singles out "early articulators", "postponers", "aficionados" and "rejectors" among the childfree; E. Campbell, who shows that sometimes the nature of the relationship between a woman and her mother can influence a woman's choice to be a childfree in the future; R. Gillespie, who studies in detail the formation of the identity of chіldfree women; P. Bonnici, who studies the impact of voluntary childlessness on a woman's identity; K. Park, which reveals the strategies of stigma management that use childfree; A. Campbell, who studies the social perception of women who have chosen sterilization as a permanent form of contraception. The opinion is expressed that the phenomenon of childfree can be considered in the context of "aesthetics of existence" or "self-technique" (M. Foucault), because the question of whether or not to have children is not subject to strict moral prohibitions, but rather intense moral issues. If voluntary childlessness is a form of stylization of life, then, accordingly, it can be analyzed in such aspects as: determination of ethical substance, way of self-subordination, form of ethical work and teleology of the moral subject.

There remain strong social pressures and attitudes in the United States about feminine identity, especially the expectation of conforming to the role of mother. Ideal femininity and being a mother are often intrinsically linked. Childfree women, those women who choose not to become mothers, face limited understanding, appreciation or acceptance to remain in a non-parenting role and are often presumed as less feminine or caring. This qualitative exploratory study of 10 childfree midlife women in a predominantly rural area of a Midwest state examines how reactions and attitudes of others affected self-esteem and feminine identity through a retrospective lens. Primary themes identified: Motherhood, as underscored by social and societal expectations and stigma; Personal Choice; and Feminine Self-Esteem are addressed. The influence of rural settings is also considered in the discussion. Recommendations for practice with older childfree women are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As baby boomers enter retirement, an increasing portion of the population in Europe will rely on wealth as a source of financial security. We address two research questions: what is the association between family size, i.e. the number of children, and wealth for adults who are preparing for or have entered retirement and does the generosity of family transfers moderate that association? Data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) are used to estimate the relationship between family size and the total household net worth of men and women between ages 50–65, born 1939–1967 from 14 European countries. We use logistic and linear regression modelling to investigate the probability of zero or negative wealth and net worth percentile rank. We find that adults with four or more children are more likely to be in debt and have less wealth than childless adults. In contrast, adults with two and three children have more wealth. We provide evidence that the generosity of family transfers ameliorates the negative association between larger family sizes and wealth, but may exacerbate wealth inequality by benefiting two and three child families most. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childlessness may affect a woman’s well-being and sense of identity, and cause feelings of loss and grief. I found no research on coaching for childless women. Using heuristic inquiry, I explored the experience of coaching in six participants (co-researchers), including myself. Findings suggest that coaching helped women cope with negative self– and societal– narratives; accept and change their perspective on a life without children; picture alternative futures; build confidence; achieve goals and rediscover themselves. Some women felt vulnerable and coach understanding, support and care were important, as were trust and co-creation. The research highlights the potential utility of coaching amongst childless women.

The role played by a mother is irreplaceable. Anita Desai discusses in her novels how, many families were broken because of the loss of the mother, either physically or psychologically. This paper intends to analyse the absent mother motif with reference to the select novels of Anita Desai, and will focus on the predicament of motherless children, who because of the role of the Absent mother had been neglected and abandoned, making them emotionally insecure. This paper will also throw light on how children were affected by the loss of the mother and also the woes of childless mothers and the prejudice it involves. The paper reinforces the urgent need for cultivating and having a relook at archetypes especially the mother archetype, with a plea to include the absent mother archetype as well. The paper concludes with a note encouraging humankind to imbibe the principles of motherhood to sustain humanity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objektif: Studi empiris tentang dampak ketidakhadiran anak dalam perkawinan menunjukkan hasil berbeda yang diasumsikan berkaitan dengan perbedaan arti penting anak bagi tiap pasangan. Studi ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui arti penting anak dan pengaruhnya pada perkawinan pasangan involuntary childless. Metode: Pendekatan kualitatif fenomenologi digunakan dengan metode pengambilan data berupa wawancara secara individual. Partisipan penelitian ini berjumlah 9 orang dengan kriteria involuntary childless, sudah menikah minimal selama 3 tahun dan belum pernah memiliki anak kandung. Analisis data dilakukan dengan interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) Temuan: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kehadiran anak masih dianggap sebagai hal yang penting dalam perkawinan karena dianggap sebagai pemberian dari Tuhan, memberikan dampak positif pada kehidupan, memberikan manfaat bagi orangtua, dan memberi dampak positif pada pasangan suami istri. Kesimpulan: Nilai anak masih dipandang secara positif karena dinilai memberikan banyak manfaat, sehingga ketidakhadiran anak mempengaruhi perkawinan pasangan involuntary childless. Namun pasangan involuntary childless mampu melihat sisi positif dari ketidakhadiran anak sehingga tetap menilai perkawinannya sebagai perkawinan yang membahagiakan.

Parental status can influence parents’ well-being in significant ways, but little research has examined its impact on older adults’ cognitive health in the U.S. Using data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) 2011–2019, this study examines whether parental status is related to the risk of cognitive impairment among older adults in the U.S. We found that the presence of adult children (i.e., having at least one living adult child) was associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment for older parents. Moreover, compared to childless older adults, older parents who had three and more children, who had adult daughter(s), and who had biological/adopted adult children displayed a significantly lower risk of cognitive impairment. This study highlights the importance of adult children as resources of support and caring that may benefit older parents’ cognitive health. The findings can help to identify the most vulnerable subpopulations among aging adults so that medical workers and policy makers can design effective strategies to protect cognitive function for those “at risk” older adults.

Background: Having children or being childless is associated with differences in women's psychological wellbeing during the reproductive age period. Methods: An individually matched case-control cohort study, measuring psychological wellbeing with the 5-item Mental Health Inventory (MHI-5) was conducted. Repeated measures analysis of variance and chi-square tests were used to measure the across time changes of MHI-5 scores. ANCOVA and Cochran's Q examined the differences between MHI-5 scores of women with children (cases) and of childless women (controls) at three timepoints. Timepoints were determined by the cases’ pre-pregnancy (T1), post-birth (T2), longer-term (T3) moments. Results: Motherhood status has a significant medium effect on psychological wellbeing [F(1.112) 20.99, p

Trends of delayed childbearing have accompanied declining birth rates and increasing numbers of childless adults in the USA. Women may postpone parenting in order to save money, find a partner, and get a 'family-friendly' job, but this reproductive strategy may not always be effective. This paper uses two waves of longitudinal data to track childless women's reproductive decision-making and behaviours. During wave 1, interviews were conducted with 72 childless US women between the ages of 25 and 40 about their reproductive desires and intentions. Approximately four years later, a subset of the original sample participated in surveys to assess consistencies between fertility intentions and outcomes, and in-depth interviews to elicit information about changes in their lives that transpired. Whereas some wave 2 participants had fulfilled their goal of becoming parents, the majority were still employing a delaying strategy or had declined to have children. Delayed childbearing was individually strategic for those who could garner resources to be in a better financial or social position to have and raise children, while others kept facing barriers that prevented them from realising their reproductive goals or changed their mind about their fertility intentions and desires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although previous studies showed that children are the primary source of old-age support in China, much less is known about the availability and sources of social support among childless elders. Also, little research has explored how older adults' social support transitions over time by childless status. Using the 2005 and 2011 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (N = 14,575), this study examined the transition of living arrangement and sources of social support by childless status among adults aged 65 and older. A series of multinomial logistic and linear regression models were used to analyze the data. Results show that compared to elders with children, childless elders were more likely to live alone or in an institution at baseline, but their probability of living alone decreased substantially while that of living in an institution increased modestly in the 6-year follow-up. Moreover, childless elders generally had fewer support sources, but this disadvantage became smaller over time. Although childless elders were significantly more likely to depend on nobody, the spouse, grandchildren (or other relatives), or nonrelatives for support at baseline, this pattern disappeared in the follow-up likely due to mortality selection. Findings imply that although the risk of social isolation among childless elders becomes lower as age progresses, garnering more social resources at younger ages may help reduce their premature mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Widows are socioeconomically disadvantaged, especially in low resource regions. Childless widows are a group whose plight may be worse given sociocultural circumstances. In the current study, we examined the lived experiences of childless widows living in remote Nigeria, highlighting this group as being in critical need for social interventions. Method: Childless widows (n = 11) in rural settings in South East Nigeria were interviewed. Narrative analysis was used in navigating the lived experiences of the widows. Results: Extreme distress, ostracism, stigma, and traumatic experiences were common in the narratives of the widows. However, childlessness was at the core of their distress. Treated as outcasts, the widows resigned to God, though some were scarcely allowed to play supportive roles among relatives. As social welfare packages are almost non-existent in this region, religious groups often played supportive roles. Conclusion: Legislation protecting widows are good but may not be sufficient if it does not translate to improved wellbeing/welfare for widows. Childless widows, especially those in rural areas, are especially vulnerable as they face peculiar deprivation and psychological distress arising from cultural/social realities. Recognising the limited resources in low income countries, mobilisation of local structures and resources to educate and monitor local communities are important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Widows are socioeconomically disadvantaged, especially in low resource regions. Childless widows are a group whose plight may be worse given sociocultural circumstances. In the current study, we examined the lived experiences of childless widows living in remote Nigeria, highlighting this group as being in critical need for social interventions. Method: Childless widows (n = 11) in rural settings in South East Nigeria were interviewed. Narrative analysis was used in navigating the lived experiences of the widows. Results: Extreme distress, ostracism, stigma, and traumatic experiences were common in the narratives of the widows. However, childlessness was at the core of their distress. Treated as outcasts, the widows resigned to God, though some were scarcely allowed to play supportive roles among relatives. As social welfare packages are almost non-existent in this region, religious groups often played supportive roles. Conclusion: Legislation protecting widows are good but may not be sufficient if it does not translate to improved wellbeing/welfare for widows. Childless widows, especially those in rural areas, are especially vulnerable as they face peculiar deprivation and psychological distress arising from cultural/social realities. Recognising the limited resources in low income countries, mobilisation of local structures and resources to educate and monitor local communities are important.

This research is to reveal (1) the childless couple's efforts to harmonize their marital relationships, (2) the efforts against stigma related to childless couples. This research is a quantitative descriptive using a survey approach. This research was conducted in East Pantar District, Alor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province, Indonesia. The respondents were determined by using total sampling. Data collection techniques were carried out through questionnaires, interviews, and literature studies. Data were analyzed quantitatively using frequency tabulation and Likert Scale. The results showed that (1) The efforts to harmonize the marital relationships of childless couples are (a) internal efforts by strengthening communication and cooperation with a partner; (b) couples receive external support. (2) Efforts against stigma are (a) having positive thinking, (b) avoiding conflict, (c) avoiding sensitive talk. Based on the indicators, there were ten respondents' efforts to harmonize their marital relationships. This condition makes married couples have power and deal with the social stigma about them. The conclusion is that married couples make various efforts to harmonize their marital relationships and still hope to have children in their marriage life.

We examined perceptions of those without children in a pre-registered study. Women who made a conscious decision not to have children (i.e., childfree) and women without children for unknown reasons were evaluated more negatively than mothers and those unable to have children (i.e., childless). Few differences were observed in evaluations of male targets as a function of parental status. Although we expected gender differences whereby childfree women would be evaluated more negatively than childfree men, this was not observed. Evaluations also did not vary as a function of perceiver gender. Those higher in social dominance orientation had more negative evaluations of childfree and childless women operating through ascription to traditional gender roles. The same pattern existed for male targets but was no longer supported when statistically controlling for singlism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological motherhood plays an important role in the lives of many young women facing breast cancer and threats to reproduction may be disruptive. In this study, we explored the indirect effects of the importance of parenthood and childlessness on depression and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among cancer patients 18–40 years of age (n = 104) through reported reproductive concerns. These specific concerns fully mediated the relationship between the importance of parenthood in women's lives and HRQoL. Greater importance of parenthood was directly associated with higher depression symptoms. Interventions should address the reproductive needs and concerns of patients to improve their HRQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secure, affordable housing is strongly linked to wellbeing in older age. This paper reports on a study of childless and poor older Malaysians who are potentially a vulnerable group in relation to accumulating such housing resources for older age. Childless is defined as a person without biological, step or adopted children, and poverty is defined following the national guideline. The research explores the cumulative advantages and disadvantages over the lifecourse that may influence their routes to attaining, or failing to attain, secure and stable housing in older age. Semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 34 childless and poor older Malaysians in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were analysed using a lifecourse perspective to identify the events/experiences that had shaped their housing arrangements in old age. Housing arrangements are hierarchical in structure and can be categorised into four types: home-ownership, public-rental, private-rental and informal housing arrangements. The capacity to afford secure housing (i.e. public rental or ownership) decreased with ill-health and reduced opportunities to work. Structural and policy factors such as eligibility for public housing had also contributed to shaping current housing arrangements. Family poverty, low levels of education and, consequently, reduced employment opportunities affected the ability to accumulate the financial resources needed to afford housing in older age. Some individual decisions and situational disadvantages also contributed to reductions in housing choice. From the social and cultural context, some participants with greater networks had more choices and advantages in the accumulation of housing resources. Initiatives to provide retirement entitlements for workers have not favoured those in low-level informal employment or have come too late to assist those who are now older people. In conclusion, more disadvantages than advantages were accumulated earlier in their life, impacting on their ability to have affordable, secure and stable housing in older age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Increasing numbers of older adults cross-nationally are without children or partners in later life and therefore likely have greater reliance on nonkin (e.g. friends). This pattern may be particularly pronounced in country contexts that emphasize friendship. This article hypothesizes that those who lack kin (e.g. children, partners) and/or who live in countries with a stronger emphasis on friendship have more friends in their networks. Although these hypothesized patterns are consistent with interdisciplinary literatures, they have not been tested empirically and therefore remain overlooked in current "aging alone" narratives. Method This study combines individual-level data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (Wave 6) with nation-level data from the European Values Survey to estimate multilevel negative binomial models exploring number of friends among those aged more than 50 years who lack kin across 17 countries. Results Older adults who lack kin or whose kin are unavailable report more friends in their networks, particularly in countries with a higher percentage of people who believe that friends are "very important" in life. Discussion This article challenges dominating assumptions about "aging alone" that rely heavily on lack of family as an indicator of "alone." Future studies of "kinlessness" should consider the extent to which friendship is correlated with lack of kin, particularly in more socioeconomically developed countries. Previous research on "aging alone" may have overestimated risk in more privileged countries that already emphasize friendship, but underestimated risk in family-centered countries where "kinlessness" and alternative sources of support are less common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This qualitative study aimed to gather insights into the experiences of older adults after losing their only child and explore meaningful life needs as a basis for social interventions., Methods: We conducted individual face-to-face interviews with 29 participants from 10 communities in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and then analysed using the inductive category development of conventional content analysis., Results: The experience of losing an only child was devastating and linked with a helpless life in old age. The analysis generated the following three themes encompassing their lived experiences and needs: afraid of getting sick, lying on the edge of misery and surrounded by loneliness., Conclusions: Losing an only child triggered older adults' feelings of being misunderstood, disconnected and hopeless. They had an increased likelihood of lacking more on love and belonging, esteem and self-actualization needs than their physiologic and safety needs. Findings from our study will raise awareness on this vulnerable group and help design intervention programmes targeting the specific needs of this neglected segment of the population.

This paper is a summary of a qualitative research project that focused upon meaning-making processes as described by intentionally childless women. A grounded theory exploration, it involved semi-structured interviews with 30 cisgendered women aged 27-61 who chose childlessness early in life. Based on principles inherent to social constructivism and feminist theories, the subjective voices of the participants were analyzed as normative expressions of female identity. The main category that accompanied intentional childlessness was a sense of freedom. In addition, two additional thematic categories focused on ways the women view their contributions to their communities and experience belonging and a sense of meaning in the world. Some negative experiences associated with being intentionally childless were also reported. The majority of the women in this study noted that they feel no regret or have no second thoughts about their decision, while a third of the participants spontaneously noted that they experience their lives as superlative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The text focuses upon life stories of childless elders from Macedonia. Field materials include interviews with childless married couples from different villages throughout Macedonia, conducted during the last 15 years. Their stories provide the basic empirical data that enable following the changes of traditional values and norms related to old parents or relatives. Special attention is dedicated to the paradoxical (and often ironic) position of these people, who, due the general tendency of abandoning old parents by their children, end up equally lonely and vulnerable as those parents who have children. Although big families are not a guarantee for dignified old age any more, it is exactly these so called ‘traditional values’ that were promoted by the Government of the Republic of Macedonia in the period 2006-2017, though public campaigns that presented big families as a value that should be sustained and cherished. This article analyses the gap between the realistic state of affairs of the elderly, and the constructed, idealized notion of a secure and happy old age that combines economic, political, as well as emotional aspects.

Background: A familial history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) predisposes an individual to develop RA. This study aimed at investigating factors associated with this conversion from the Tatarstan cohort., Methods: A total of 144 individuals, referred to as pre-RA and at risk for familial RA, were selected 2 years (range: 2-21 years) before conversion to RA and compared to non-converted 328 first-degree relatives (FDR) from RA as assessed after ≥2 years follow-up, and 355 healthy controls were also selected (HC). Preclinical parameters and socio-demographic/individual/HLA genetic factors were analyzed when data were available at the time of enrollment., Results: As compared to FDR and HC groups, pre-RA individuals were characterized before conversion to RA by the presence of arthralgia, severe morning symptoms, a lower educational level, and rural location. An association with the HLA-DRB1 SE risk factor was also retrieved with symmetrical arthralgia and passive smoking. On the contrary, alcohol consumption and childlessness in women were protective and associated with the HLA-DRB1 * 07:01 locus., Conclusion: Before RA onset, a combination of individual and genetic factors characterized those who are at risk of progressing to RA among those with familial RA relatives., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Arleevskaya, Larionova, Shagimardanova, Gogoleva, Kravtsova, Novikov, Kazarian, Carlé and Renaudineau.)

This study examines whether childless older Thais are more vulnerable to psychological distress relative to older adults with children. Drawing from the 2011 Survey of Older Persons in Thailand (n = 37,936), zero‐inflated negative binomial regression methods examine psychological distress of childless older adults relative to coresident and noncoresident parents. Analyses further explore how gender and marital status moderate this relationship. Results show that 40% of older Thais did not experience any symptoms of psychological distress in the past month. Compared to coresident parents, noncoresident parents showed a higher likelihood of experiencing psychological distress but being childless was associated with increased symptoms of psychological distress. While the relationship between parental status and psychological distress did not significantly differ by gender, marital status presents a significant moderating effect. Specifically, widowed childless older adults and widowed noncoresident parents experienced more symptoms of psychological distress relative to their married counterparts. In collectivistic societies, where the family unit is highly valued, and institutional support is weak, being childless and unmarried may negatively affect one's psychological well‐being in later life. Children and marriage are protective for older Thais’ psychological well‐being. The implications for social welfare policies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earlier studies have documented persistent negative stereotypes of childless or childfree adults, though acceptance has increased in recent decades. Recent studies have also shown negative biases against parents, especially mothers, in work-related contexts. The current study used college students’ responses to hypothetical vignettes (N = 1,266) to compare perceptions of childless and childfree adults and parents using means comparisons with generalized linear modeling methods, controlling for student and vignette characteristics. Results showed that parents were perceived as warmer, but with less positive marital relationships, than those without children. Mothers were perceived as more stressed and childless men and women as more emotionally troubled, but there were few differences in work-related perceptions. Childless wives with no plans to have children were perceived as least warm, whereas husbands were perceived as least stressed. Results indicate some persistent negative stereotypes of childless adults along with negative perceptions of stress and marital strains related to parenthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identity theory posits that role identity is negotiated between human social actors and is based in broader cultural expectations about how particular statuses should be performed. I argue that the formation of role identity in actors can also occur in relationship to nonhuman actors, if they are perceived as minded. Depending on context and human perception, identity can be formed as a result of interaction and developing 'theory of mind' with nonhuman animals, directly implicating the animal. Using in-depth interviews of childless and childfree companion animal owners, I demonstrate the existence of a parent identity in childless participants that would not otherwise be present were it not for interaction with the animal 'child.' This identity is confirmed in participant narratives describing substantial behavioral output aligned with the U.S. cultural ideal of 'parent.' Likewise, I find that significant others provide external support for the enactment of this role identity, allowing participants to verify self-in-situation. Overall, my analysis emphasizes the importance of considering nonhuman sources as occupying counterstatus positions in the formation of role identity while highlighting how these relationships affect interaction in the childfree and childless home, thus expanding scholarly understanding about both identity formation and emerging family types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]