Conducted by Ansgar Hudde and Marita Jacob, researchers at the University of Cologne, this sociological survey is based on the responses of over 43,000 Europeans from 30 countries. The experts aimed to identify the effects of parenthood on the two pillars of well-being: life satisfaction, and the feeling of leading a meaningful life.
They found that being a parent doesn’t systematically make people happier, especially over the long term. On the other hand, it does profoundly alter people’s perception of their own existence.
“Previous debates about parenthood have focused too much on happiness and satisfaction,” Hudde explained. “Our study shows that people who have children are not automatically happier, but they are more likely to feel that their own lives are meaningful and valuable.”
However, the relationship between parenthood and life satisfaction varies in relation to social circumstances. Mothers from modest backgrounds have a lower level of life satisfaction than women from equivalent socioeconomic backgrounds without children. On the other hand, this difference is much less pronounced among women from wealthier backgrounds.
As for men, the parental factor seems to carry little weight in life satisfaction, regardless of social background.
When it comes to finding meaning in life, however, boundaries blur. Whether men or women, rich or poor, parents are more likely to say their existence has value. This sense of meaning transcends borders and social circumstances.
And under certain conditions, happiness and meaning can go hand in hand. This is typically the case in Nordic countries, where family policies and institutional support enable parents to reconcile personal fulfilment and parenthood.
“The results show that good societal conditions can make both things possible: meaning and satisfaction,” Hudde stressed.
Among other major findings, the researchers reported that the birth of a first child triggers a peak in satisfaction – which is short-lived. On the other hand, the feeling of having a meaningful life takes hold for good.
It’s a reminder that, while parenthood doesn’t guarantee happiness, it can offer a sense of direction; a reason for being that can help us withstand the ups and downs of life.