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The Influence of Partner Relationship Quality on Fertility

Author

Listed:
  • Arieke J. Rijken

    (Utrecht University)

  • Aart C. Liefbroer

    (Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI)
    Vrije Universiteit)

Abstract

This study examines whether partner relationship quality influences fertility, and if so, in which direction and which aspects of relationship quality are relevant. Competing hypotheses are tested. One hypothesis assumes that higher relationship quality leads to higher rates of childbearing, as a high-quality relationship offers the most favourable environment to raise children. An opposite hypothesis expects that lower relationship quality leads to higher rates of childbearing, as couples might have children in order to improve their relationship. Hazard analyses are performed using three waves of the Panel Study on Social Integration in the Netherlands. Findings indicate that positive as well as negative interaction between partners has a negative effect on first- and higher-order birth rates. This suggests that couples are most likely to have children if they do not have too much negative interaction, but neither interact in a very positive way. Value consensus negatively influences higher-order birth rates.

Suggested Citation

  • Arieke J. Rijken & Aart C. Liefbroer, 2009. "The Influence of Partner Relationship Quality on Fertility," European Journal of Population, Springer;European Association for Population Studies, vol. 25(1), pages 27-44, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eurpop:v:25:y:2009:i:1:d:10.1007_s10680-008-9156-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10680-008-9156-8
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    Cited by:

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    2. Susanne Fahlén & Livia Sz. Oláh, 2018. "Economic uncertainty and first-birth intentions in Europe," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 39(28), pages 795-834.
    3. Ina Berninger & Bernd Weiß & Michael Wagner, 2011. "On the links between employment, partnership quality, and the desire to have a first child," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 24(24), pages 579-610.
    4. Øystein Kravdal, 2010. "Demographers’ interest in fertility trends and determinants in developed countries: Is it warranted?," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 22(22), pages 663-690.
    5. Almut Schumann & Detlev Lück, 2023. "Better to ask online when it concerns intimate relationships? Survey mode differences in the assessment of relationship quality," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 48(22), pages 609-640.
    6. Cornelia RADA & Suzana MANOLESCU & Corina ZUGRAVU & Adriana ALBU & Gheorghita GEANA, 2010. "Divorces and marriages: important influential factors for the new borne rate," EuroEconomica, Danubius University of Galati, issue 24, pages 72-79, March.
    7. Roberta Rutigliano & Gøsta Esping-Andersen, 2018. "Partnership Choice and Childbearing in Norway and Spain," European Journal of Population, Springer;European Association for Population Studies, vol. 34(3), pages 367-386, August.
    8. Julika Hillmann & Anne-Kristin Kuhnt, 2011. "Der Kinderwunsch im Kontext von Partnerschaft und Partnerschaftsqualität: eine Analyse übereinstimmender Elternschaftsabsichten von Eltern und kinderlosen Paaren," MPIDR Working Papers WP-2011-019, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany.

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