The relationship between fertility support and fertility intentions among Chinese adults of childbearing age: The mediating role of the value of children and gender difference

Existing studies indicate that fertility support is associated with fertility intentions, yet the psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship remain insufficiently understood among adults of childbearing age. The present study examined the relationships among fertility support, the value of children (VOC), and fertility intention among Chinese adults of childbearing age. A total of 3094 participants (62.99% female; M age = 23.18, SD = 5.13) completed measures assessing fertility support, positive and negative dimensions of the value of children (VOC + and VOC − ), and fertility intention. The results showed that fertility support positively predicted fertility intention both directly and indirectly through the parallel mediating roles of VOC + and VOC − . Specifically, higher fertility support enhanced fertility intention by increasing positive evaluations of children (VOC + ) and reducing negative evaluations of children (VOC − ). These findings suggest that fertility support influences reproductive intentions not only through structural resources but also through individuals' psychological evaluations of parenthood. Furthermore, significant gender differences were identified in these pathways. The positive pathways linking fertility support to VOC + and fertility intention were stronger among males, whereas the negative pathways involving VOC − were more pronounced among females. In particular, males were more likely to translate fertility support into stronger positive child-value perceptions and fertility intentions, while females' fertility intentions were more strongly influenced by reductions in perceived parenting burdens and concerns. Overall, the findings highlight that fertility support operates through gender-differentiated psychological mechanisms. Policies aimed at improving fertility intention should therefore strengthen institutional fertility support while simultaneously enhancing positive child value perceptions and alleviating perceived childrearing burdens, especially among women.