Factors Influencing the Value of Having Children among University Students

Choi, Hyunkyung; Lee, Sung Hee

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study undertakes to identify factors influencing the perception university students in Korea hold toward having children.
METHODS
A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted on 187 university students (79 males and 108 females) from one university located in a metropolitan area. Participating students completed a packet of self-report questionnaires on values concerning gender roles, marriage, family and children along with their personal demographic details. The resulting data were analyzed using t-tests, one-way ANOVA and Pearson's correlation coefficients as well as descriptive statistics. Stepwise multiple regression was performed to identify factors that most influenced the value of children held among university students.
RESULTS
The value of having children was negatively associated with the value of family, but positively associated with the value of marriage. In addition, the value of family had a negative relationship with the value of marriage, but a positive relationship with the value of gender role. Stepwise multiple regression found that the equation consisting of gender and value of marriage explained about 42.0% of the variance of the value of having children.
CONCLUSION
Considering the findings from this study, programs promoting the positive values of marriage are required for university students to have positive values toward having children.