New research shows parents of young children experience greater meaning in life [1] than nonparents, although younger mothers tended to be less satisfied in life than their childless counterparts.
Using data from the European Social Survey on those with minor children in the home and those without, the authors found both male and female parents reported more meaning in life than nonparents, across all age, educational, and partnership categories.
On the other hand, for all women combined, life satisfaction was highest among those without young children in the home, whereas for all men combined, life satisfaction was highest among those with young children in the home.
Young mothers reported significantly lower life satisfaction than nonmothers in the same age group. However, older mothers, mothers with a high level of education, and married mothers reported higher levels of life satisfaction.
Fathers reported higher life satisfaction in all categories except the youngest age group, unmarried men, and men with no partners.
Unpartnered women with children displayed significantly less satisfaction in life than partnered and married women with children, all else being equal.
Yet, unpartnered women with children expressed significantly more meaning in life than women without children.