Challenging stereotypes of the childless in pronatalist society

Some available studies have examined the relationship between parental status and happiness and parental status and life satisfaction. However, no previous studies have examined the relationship between parental status and selfishness. In addition, no existing studies have examined the relationship between parental status and happiness, life satisfaction, and selfishness along with the variables known to impact them. This study adds to the literature by examining the relationship between parental status and happiness, life satisfaction, and selfishness along with age, sex, race, health, education, income, and marital status. Data from the 2004 General Social Survey (GSS) was utilized. The relationship between parental status, happiness, life satisfaction, selfishness and control variables was tested using descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling. Two structural equation models were analyzed. The first one tested the relationship between parental status and happiness and life satisfaction; the second tested the relationship between parental status and selfishness. The results indicated that parental status did not impact happiness, life satisfaction, or selfishness.