Background:
The relative happiness of parents and nonparents is a popular topic among scholars and the media alike; however, few studies have considered the psychological factors that may predict differences in parents’ and nonparents’ happiness. The Parent Well-Being Model, developed by Nelson, Kushlev, & Lyubomirsky (2014), seeks to understand the factors that are related to both greater and lower well-being among parents relative to nonparents. Purpose in life, positive emotions, satisfaction of basic human needs, and social roles are positive factors that lead to increases in well-being, whereas negative emotions, financial strain, sleep disturbance, and strained partner relationships may be related to decreases in well-being. Prior research has indicated that these factors predict parents’ well-being; however, few studies have considered the relevance of these factors for parents’ well-being simultaneously. This study seeks to test and further understand this model.
Methods:
We conducted a study (N = 692; 65% women) over two time points (3 months apart) to investigate the positive and negative factors that may be related to overall well-being of parents compared with nonparents. Parents and non-parents were recruited via mTurk. At Time 1, participants completed measures of positive mediators (positive emotions, meaning in life, and psychological need satisfaction), negative mediators (relationship satisfaction, perceived financial strain, negative emotions, and sleepiness), and life satisfaction. Three months later (Time 2), participants completed a measure of life satisfaction.
Results:
Parents reported higher levels of satisfaction with life, t(515) = 4.12, p < .001, which was partially explained by relatively greater levels of positive affect, need satisfaction, and meaning in life (95% CI: .21, .58). Contrary to previous research, no significant differences were found between parents and nonparents in the negative factors of relationship satisfaction or sleep disturbances, (ps > .13). Unexpectedly, parents reported less financial strain and fewer negative emotions than nonparents (ps > .05). This suggests that the rewards of parenthood may outweigh the costs.
