What question did this study set out to answer?

To examine how family-of-origin dynamics directly and indirectly influence fertility intentions—specifically preferred child number and gender composition—through adult attachment styles.

August 15, 2026Discover PsychologyOpen Access

The impact on fertility intentions from family of origin and adult attachment styles among Chinese college students

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

GLGuoqing LiMinzu University of China XXXiang XuMinzu University of China YYYuqi YangSouthwest Minzu University

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Cross-sectional study finds family of origin and adult attachment styles shape fertility intentions in Chinese college students, highlighting the psychological drivers of family planning.

Key Points

To examine how family-of-origin dynamics directly and indirectly influence fertility intentions—specifically preferred child number and gender composition—through adult attachment styles.
Analyzed cross-sectional survey data from 359 college students across multiple provinces in China (mean age = 21.26 years; 190 males, 169 females).
Assessed fertility preferences regarding number of children and gender composition alongside family environment and adult attachment styles.
Used path analysis with bootstrapped indirect effects and multi-group analysis across gender, hukou (household registration), and perceived economic status.
A positive family environment marked by intimacy, harmony, and trust was associated with a preference for more children and a weaker preference for girls.
Family-of-origin experiences exhibited a significant indirect effect on the preferred number of children mediated through preoccupied attachment.
Structural pathways were predominantly invariant across demographic groups, differing significantly only across perceived economic-status groups for gender preference.

Cite This Study

Li et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8019f175c2e31742c862e6 https://doi.org/10.1007/s44202-026-00846-w

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Implication

Cross-sectional study finds family of origin and adult attachment styles shape fertility intentions in Chinese college students, highlighting the psychological drivers of family planning.

The impact on fertility intentions from family of origin and adult attachment styles among Chinese college students

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

The impact on fertility intentions from family of origin and adult attachment styles among Chinese college students

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Also Consider

Also Consider