MSU Study Confirms: 1 In 5 Adults Don’t Want Children And They Don’t Regret It Later

Listen to this article MSU Study Confirms: 1 In 5 Adults Don’t Want Children And They Don’t Regret It Later

Introduction

A recent study conducted by Michigan State University (MSU) confirmed that one in five adults in Michigan, approximately 1.7 million individuals, choose to remain child-free. This study aimed to replicate the findings of an earlier study that reported similar results.

Child-Free Adults in Michigan

MSU researchers used a representative sample of 1,000 adults who participated in MSU’s State of the State Survey. Results showed that 20.9% of adults in Michigan do not want children, which is consistent with the previous estimate of 21.6%. Researchers found that there were no differences in child-free rates based on age, education, or income. However, male, white, or single individuals are more likely to be child-free.

Regret among Child-Free Adults

Contrary to concerns that child-free adults will later regret their decision, the study found no evidence of this. In fact, the study revealed that older child-free adults did not experience more life regret than older parents. The research team observed that older parents were more likely to express a desire to change something about their lives.

Implications of Reproductive Health Restrictions

The increasing number of child-free adults warrants attention, especially as reproductive rights are being restricted in several states. The researchers expressed concern that restrictions on reproductive health care may force individuals to have children despite not wanting them. MSU professor of psychology, Jennifer Watling Neal, stated that “states’ restrictions on reproductive health care may result in many people being forced to have children despite not wanting them, which is very concerning.”

Future Research

The research team plans to expand their work beyond Michigan and examine how abortion restrictions affect adults’ choice to be child-free in other states and countries.

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