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Updated: Mar 24, 2026
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Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure
Published on: September 19, 2019
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Is Parenthood Contributing to Emotional Wellbeing? The Neutrality Paradox and a Possible Resolution
Menelaos Apostolou1, Mark Sullman1, Agata Błachnio2
1Department of Social Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus.
Summary
Parenthood slightly boosts eudaimonic wellbeing (life meaning), especially for women, but shows minimal impact on hedonic wellbeing (emotions) or life satisfaction. Relationship satisfaction was slightly lower for parents.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Evolutionary theories suggest parenthood enhances wellbeing.
- Parenthood is hypothesized to increase positive emotions, life meaning, and life satisfaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of parenthood on hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing.
- To examine how parenthood influences life satisfaction and relationship satisfaction across diverse populations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a large dataset (5,556 participants) from 10 nations.
- Cross-cultural examination of wellbeing dimensions in parents versus nonparents.
- Statistical analysis of interactions between parenthood status and demographic factors (sex, age, relationship status).
Main Results:
- A small positive effect of parenthood on eudaimonic wellbeing, particularly for women.
- No significant differences in hedonic wellbeing or life satisfaction between parents and nonparents.
- Parents reported slightly lower relationship satisfaction than nonparents.
Conclusions:
- Findings partially contradict evolutionary predictions regarding the universal positive impact of parenthood on wellbeing.
- The study highlights a complex relationship between parenthood and wellbeing, suggesting nuanced effects beyond simple hedonic or eudaimonic gains.
- A potential paradox exists between evolutionary predictions and empirical findings on parental wellbeing, necessitating further research for resolution.
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