Understanding Fertility Intention Through the Lens of Family Functioning, Fertility Anxiety and Marriage-Fertility Views: A TPB-Based SEM Approach

ABSRTACT Background Global fertility rates are declining, and despite China's three-child policy, the number of women of childbearing age continues to shrink. Fertility intention, a key predictor of fertility behavior, is shaped by factors such as socioeconomic stress, family functioning, and psychological traits. Objective Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study investigates how family functioning, marriage and fertility values, and fertility anxiety influence the fertility intentions of newlywed, childless young couples. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 1,292 newlywed, childless couples in Yinchuan, Ningxia (2024) assessed demographics, family functioning (FAD), marriage and fertility values (MFV), and fertility anxiety (FA). Multiple logistic regression and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used. Results Family functioning promoted intentions to have two or more children indirectly via positive communication and mediated by traditional MFV (44.4% of the total effect). Fertility anxiety showed no significant effect. Men preferred more children than women, and fertility intentions increased with age Conclusions Improving family communication and reinforcing traditional values may help boost fertility intentions. Findings offer insight into the family–psychological mechanisms shaping fertility decisions.