A study by researchers Marita Jacob and Ansgar Hudde from the University of Cologne reveals that while parents feel their lives have deeper meaning, they do not experience greater overall satisfaction compared to childfree individuals. Analyzing data from over 43,000 respondents across 30 countries, the research indicates that this dissatisfaction is often influenced by social circumstances and family policies, with mothers reporting lower satisfaction levels than fathers. In Scandinavian countries, however, the disparity in life satisfaction between parents and non-parents is considerably less pronounced.
Having a child evokes a mix of fulfillment and dissatisfaction, with parents reporting greater meaning in life but often lower satisfaction compared to non-parents.
The study found that regardless of nationality or social status, both mothers and fathers believed their lives had a richer meaning compared to those without children.
Mothers consistently showed lower levels of life satisfaction compared to fathers, highlighting a significant gender disparity in parental experiences.
In Scandinavian countries, the gap in life satisfaction between parents and non-parents is minimal, attributed to supportive family policies and a more equitable social structure.
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