Partner Effects on Fertility Desires: Stimulating and Dampening Effects of Happy and Unhappy Relationships

Anna Reimondos, Australian National University
Ann Evans, Australian National University
Edith E. Gray, Australian National University

Childbearing is often a shared decision within couples, with fertility outcomes shaped by both partners. While being in a relationship increases the likelihood of having children, the quality of that relationship also plays a crucial role in shaping fertility desires. Existing research presents mixed theoretical and empirical evidence on the association between relationship satisfaction and fertility. Does higher relationship satisfaction encourage childbearing, as couples are more likely to see a future together, or do happy couples fear that having children will strain their relationship? Using 19 years of data from the longitudinal Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, we examined the effect of relationship satisfaction on childbearing desires among 3,578 men and 3,774 women who were in a relationship but did not yet have a child. Our fixed-effects analysis revealed a positive, linear relationship: higher relationship satisfaction was consistently associated with increased fertility desires. Understanding how relationship quality affects fertility intentions can inform family planning support and policies aimed at helping couples navigate these decisions.

Keywords: Fertility, Families, Unions and Households

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