Parental motivations of Poles aged 20–26 – a pilot study

Introduction: Starting a family and becoming a parent are elements of human life closely related to motivations and personal experiences, which can be both positive and negative. The main objective of this study was to identify and analyze the parental motivations of Poles aged 20–26.Materials and methods: The study involved 312 individuals aged 20–26 (mean age: 22.6 ±1.87). The diagnostic survey method was employed, using a questionnaire as the research tool. This questionnaire comprised a standardized test, the parental motives questionnaire – short version (CBQ-SF), and an original questionnaire (AKA).Results: The score for positive motivations is significantly lower in women (p = 0.0002; median in female group = 37, median in male group = 43.5), as is the overall intensity of parental motivations (p = 0.0052; median in female group = 5, median in male group = 13). Additionally, older study participants exhibited higher scores for negative motivations to have children (p < 0.0001; rho = –0.123) and higher parental motivation scores regarding parental intentions (p < 0.0001; rho = 0.220). Respondents with a higher education level, particularly those with a master’s degree, showed higher parental motivation scores in terms of parental intentions compared to those with lower education levels (p = 0.004; median in the group with a master’s degree = 7, median in the group with a batchelor’s degree = 6.6, median in the group with primary or secondary education = 3).Conclusions: Socio-demographic factors, such as age, sex, place of upbringing, and level of education, significantly impact the motivation of young Poles to have children. Additionally, an important aspect of parental motivation is the pro-family policy in the respondent’s country of residence.