Locating Depression’s Link with Fertility: Testing the Traits–Desires–Intentions–Behavior Framework

• In Event: Sociology of Population Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 4. Fertility Dynamics

Abstract

Low fertility and rising depression jointly challenge demographic sustainability. While depression is associated with fertility patterns, the mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study uses the Traits–Desires–Intentions–Behavior (TDIB) framework to locate where depression influences fertility. Using data from 14,294 Chinese adults aged 22–50 (CFPS 2020–2022), we test depression's associations with motivations (traits), ideal number of children (desires), and actual fertility (behavior). Depression shows no association with motivations or desires but a positive association with actual childbearing (β = 0.018, p = 0.017). This positive coefficient likely reflects reverse causality rather than a causal effect. The findings refine TDIB by showing mental health operates outside motivational pathways,highlighting the need for policies targeting behavioral and relational conditions—such as partnership stability and work–family balance—rather than solely targeting fertility attitudes.

Authors

• Xiaoxu Yang, Louisiana State University

• Heather Molly Rackin, Louisiana State University