Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Life style institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (58 Views)
Aim: Childbearing is a key element in demographic transitions and a cornerstone of sustainable development, particularly for countries experiencing below-replacement fertility. In Iran, the decline in fertility rates has prompted new pro-natalist policies. Accordingly, this study systematically identifies the psychological predictors associated with childbearing intention based on research conducted over the past decade. Method: This study employed a systematic review of the PubMed, Scopus, SID, and Magiran databases. Both Persian and English studies published between 2016 and 2026 that focused on psychological predictors of childbearing intention were included. The search was conducted using a combination of standard keywords related to childbearing intention and psychological factors. The search, screening, and final article selection processes were carried out independently by two reviewers. Findings: Based on the inclusion criteria, 38 studies were selected for review and analysis, and two main categories of psychological factors related to increased childbearing intention (including positive attitudes and norms toward parenting, perceived self-efficacy, marital satisfaction, familial emotional support, positive personality constructs, and identity motives) and psychological factors related to decreased childbearing intention (including negative attitudes and emotions, future anxiety and parenting anxiety, dysfunctional beliefs, individualism, and welfare-seeking) were extracted with 12 subcategories. Conclusion: The findings showed that psychological factors related to decreased childbearing intention dominate over factors related to increased childbearing intention and weaken childbearing intention. Designing interventional strategies and psychological trainings to increase motivation, instill hope, reduce cognitive and emotional problems, and implementing evidence-based government supportive policies and programs are recommended.
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
