| Abstract: | Psychological research into the determinants of family size pertains to the motivations connected with childbearing in general and to those relating to specific numbers of children or family size. 1 model defines the variables affecting such motivations as: 1) the value of children; 2) alternate sources of value; 3) costs, 4) barriers, and 5)facilitators. An ongoing cross cultural study is discussed and the questionnaires used in the study as well as the preliminary results are given. It is felt that the knowledge gained through such research will help in the design of social policies that influence couples to regulate family size to levels that are congruent with personal desires as well as societal goals. |
