Parents with two daughters report the highest levels of happiness, Chinese study finds

A study conducted in China revealed that happiness tends to be higher among parents compared to those who do not have children. However, this happiness boost is more pronounced among parents who are 60 years or older. Among parents, those who have only daughters tend to experience greater happiness than those with only sons, especially when the parents have exactly two daughters. The research results were published in Acta Psychologica.

Happiness is a crucial aspect of overall life quality, influenced by both individual factors and societal conditions. Family structure, including the number of children and their genders, can significantly impact a person's happiness. Parenthood can enhance emotional well-being by providing meaning and companionship, yet it also brings financial burdens, daily responsibilities, and work-family conflicts.

The study authors, Zhong Fei and Wenqin Jin, aimed to examine how happiness is linked to the number of children and their gender. Specifically, they sought to answer the question: "What type of offspring composition, in which ways, and for which parents, can enhance their quality of life in Chinese society?"

To conduct their research, the study authors utilized data from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), a large-scale survey initiated by Renmin University of China in 2003. The CGSS encompasses all provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities within China, targeting the civilian population aged 18 and above. Participants were recruited from 100 counties and five metropolitan areas, including Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. The dataset analyzed in this study comprised 49,752 individuals, 45,108 of whom had children.

The researchers analyzed the participants' self-reported happiness levels, the number of children, and their genders. They also considered participants' gender, age, ethnicity, and various sociodemographic details. The findings indicated that, on average, parents were happier than non-parents. Among parents, those with a larger number of children generally reported higher happiness levels, but this association was only significant when considering parents aged 60 and above.

Interestingly, parents with all-female children tended to be happier than those with all-male children, with this association being strongest among middle-aged parents and those who had exactly two daughters. On the other hand, parents with a mix of sons and daughters did not show a statistically significant difference in happiness compared to those with only sons.

Furthermore, the positive correlation between the number of children and happiness was more evident among men, urban residents, and individuals with a pension. Conversely, the happiness advantage of having only daughters was more pronounced among rural residents, middle-aged parents, and those with a spouse.

While these findings provide valuable insights, the study's authors caution against overinterpreting the results. The data used in this study comes from the CGSS, and the observed associations should be seen as sample-specific evidence within the contemporary Chinese context. Further cross-cultural and cross-national research is required to determine the generalizability of these patterns.

It is essential to note that the study's happiness assessment was based on a single item, raising concerns about its reliability and temporal stability. Additionally, the study design does not allow for causal inferences, leaving unanswered questions about whether having children leads to increased happiness or if happier individuals are more likely to have children. Other factors may also be responsible for the observed associations.

The paper, titled "Who reports higher happiness? The association between number of children, gender composition of offspring and parental happiness," was authored by Zhong Fei and Wenqin Jin.