Personality Traits and Personal History Variables Correlated with Decisions to Have Children or to be Childfree

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between personal history variables, personality variables as measured by the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule, and a person's decision either to have children or to voluntarily remain childfree. The personality variables being considered were Murray's manifest needs associated with achievement, deference, order, exhibition, autonomy, affiliation, intraception, succorance, dominance, abasement, heterosexuality and aggression. Participants were selected by their response to a preliminary letter distributed to all Hood College graduate students; they and their spouses, if any, were invited to participate in the study and were asked to indicate whether or not they desire having children. The sample was heterogeneous in age, sex and personal background. Participants were asked to complete a background data sheet and the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule. Results obtained using the background questionnaire showed several significant differences: childfree persons more often had friends who were also childfree; the mothers of childfree persons more often had higher levels of education; and childfree persons more often live in urban settings. Results obtained using the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule indicate significantly higher scores for the group with children on the heterosexuality scale. The childfree group had higher scores approaching significance on the scales of abasement and endurance.