Why Are So Many People ‘Delaying Parenthood’? A Psychologist Explains

Forbes - Apr 9th, 2025

New research from Frontiers in Psychology highlights the shift in parenthood from an inevitable life stage to a deliberate choice influenced by deeper psychological factors. The study, led by Małgorzata Szcześniak, Celina Timoszyk-Tomczak, and Adam Falewicz, identifies six main reasons contributing to the delay in having children. These include feelings of unpreparedness, high parenting expectations, the desire for personal freedom, perceived burdens, existential fears, and financial concerns. While economic factors are significant, the hesitation is also deeply rooted in emotional and existential concerns, such as the fear of not meeting high societal expectations for good parenting or losing personal freedom and identity.

The study sheds light on the broader cultural and societal influences impacting decisions around parenthood. The high cost of living, along with global uncertainties such as climate change and political instability, add layers of complexity to the decision-making process. These findings highlight a growing trend of individuals prioritizing personal growth and stability before committing to the responsibilities of parenthood. This shift reflects broader changes in societal values and underscores the need for support systems that address both economic and psychological barriers to parenthood.

Parenthood Delayed Parenthood Psychological Factors Financial Concerns Małgorzata Szcześniak Celina Timoszyk Tomczak Adam Falewicz Frontiers In Psychology

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RATING

6.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a nuanced exploration of why people are delaying parenthood, highlighting both psychological and practical factors. It references credible research, adding some authority to its claims. However, the lack of specific data and detailed explanations of the study's findings limits the factual accuracy and transparency. The article is well-written and timely, addressing a topic of significant public interest. While it has the potential to influence public opinion and spark discussion, the absence of opposing viewpoints and detailed evidence may reduce its overall impact. Overall, the article offers a thoughtful perspective on a relevant issue but could benefit from more comprehensive data and diverse viewpoints.

Accuracy

The story presents a complex view of why people are delaying parenthood, citing psychological and practical reasons. It references a study from Frontiers in Psychology, which lends some credibility, but lacks specific data or demographic insights that would bolster its claims. Financial pressures, career ambitions, and existential concerns are mentioned as reasons for delaying parenthood. However, the article does not provide quantitative data to support these claims, such as statistics on how many people are delaying parenthood or specific demographic information. This lack of precise data weakens the factual basis of the article. Additionally, while the article mentions psychological motives like fear of inadequacy and existential concerns, it does not delve into detailed research findings that would substantiate these claims further.

Balance

The article attempts to present a balanced view by discussing both psychological and practical reasons for delaying parenthood. It mentions financial pressures, career ambitions, and existential concerns, providing a broad perspective on the issue. However, the article primarily focuses on the psychological aspects, such as fear of inadequacy and existential concerns, which may overshadow the practical reasons like financial constraints and career ambitions. This focus could lead to an imbalance in the representation of perspectives. Additionally, the article does not explore opposing viewpoints, such as those of people who choose to have children despite these challenges, which could provide a more comprehensive view.

Clarity

The article is well-written and structured, with clear language and a logical flow. It presents the reasons for delaying parenthood in a coherent manner, making it easy for readers to follow the argument. The tone is neutral and informative, avoiding sensationalism or emotional language. However, the lack of specific data and detailed explanations of the study's findings may hinder full comprehension for readers seeking a deeper understanding of the issue.

Source quality

The article references a study from Frontiers in Psychology, which is a credible source, lending some authority to its claims. The lead authors of the study are mentioned, adding to the reliability of the information. However, the article does not cite any other sources or studies to support its claims, limiting the variety of perspectives and evidence presented. The reliance on a single study may affect the impartiality of the reporting, as it does not consider other research that might offer different insights or conclusions.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in its methodology and the basis for its claims. While it references a study from Frontiers in Psychology, it does not provide details about the study's methodology or sample size, making it difficult for readers to assess the validity of the findings. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that might affect the reporting. This lack of transparency can impact the reader's ability to fully understand the context and reliability of the information presented.