Social network characteristics among involuntarily and motivated childless couples in early midlife

Wagner J, Wrzus C, Neyer FJ, Lang F (2015)


Publication Status: Accepted

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2015

Journal

Original Authors: Lang Frieder R., Wagner J., Wrzus C., Neyer F. J.

Publisher: SAGE Publications (UK and US)

Book Volume: 36

Pages Range: 87 - 110

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1177/0192513X13490931

Abstract

Whether couples have children or remain childless has largely been
associated with individual and couple characteristics. We propose that the
broader social network additionally differentiates between parents and
childless couples, particularly between involuntarily and voluntarily childless
couples. In light of this, we studied social network differences and their
interplay with dyadic and individual characteristics in three types of couples
with and without children, in a sample of 248 German early-midlife adults
(n = 41 voluntarily childless, n = 35 involuntarily childless, n = 48 traditional
parental dyads). A multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that
social network characteristics distinguished between voluntarily and
involuntarily childless individuals. Additionally, attitudes toward children
differed substantially across types of couples, whereas levels of partnership
distress did not. Findings provide new insights into the significance of the
social network above and beyond dyadic and individual characteristics in
early-midlife couples with and without children.

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How to cite

APA:

Wagner, J., Wrzus, C., Neyer, F.J., & Lang, F. (2015). Social network characteristics among involuntarily and motivated childless couples in early midlife. Journal of Family Issues, 36(1), 87 - 110. https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0192513X13490931

MLA:

Wagner, Jenny, et al. "Social network characteristics among involuntarily and motivated childless couples in early midlife." Journal of Family Issues 36.1 (2015): 87 - 110.

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