Abstract
Reproductive behavior characteristics may be influenced by both social and individual factors. Recent studies have revealed that personality traits might be related to reproductive characteristics in adulthood. Little is known about potential mediators or moderators of relations between personality and reproductive behavior. The present study examines the relation between personality traits measured in early adolescence and the number of children people have by age 27, with an attempt to identify moderation and mediation effects. We used data from the longitudinal cohort (N = 585) collected as a part of the Child Development Project. Personality was measured with the use of Lanthier’s Big Five Personality Questionnaire. Results from regression analyses and structural equation models showed that four of the five personality traits (except extraversion) were related to the number of children individuals had by age 27, and these associations were mediated by the age of first intercourse and participants’ familial and educational plans. We also identified moderation effects of IQ and SES both on the associations of personality traits with mediators and the number of children by age 27.
Highlights
One of the consequences of modernization processes taking place in Western societies is a shift in the importance of motives and factors influencing the decision to have a child—those based on social pressure or biology are becoming less important than ones based on the preferences of an individual
In a series of studies (Jokela et al, 2009, 2011) revealed that traits related to emotion sensitivity and reactivity such as neuroticism and harm avoidance are negatively associated with the number of children adults have
We found main effects of neuroticism on the age of first intercourse (AFI) and of conscientiousness on familial plans and the number of children by age 27
Summary
One of the consequences of modernization processes taking place in Western societies is a shift in the importance of motives and factors influencing the decision to have a child—those based on social pressure or biology are becoming less important than ones based on the preferences of an individual (van de Kaa, 2001). The latter may include preferences for different forms of contraceptives, and more dispositional features like personality traits. The literature so far does suggest that personality may be associated with reproduction indicators, the relation between personality and fertility patterns is still understudied
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