Direct and Indirect Effects of Parenthood on Later-Life Happiness: Evidence from Older Adults in Thailand

Pachara Pimpawatin () and Nopphol Witvorapong
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Pachara Pimpawatin: Chulalongkorn University

Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 2023, vol. 44, issue 2, No 3, 249-266

Abstract: Abstract Mechanisms underlying the relationship between parenthood and happiness are not well understood in all contexts; most existing studies focus on the working-age population in high-income settings. This study investigates different pathways through which parenthood influences happiness, using a large sample of older adults (N = 85,477) in a developing country in Asia, Thailand, drawn from three waves of a nationally representative survey. It hypothesizes that happiness in old age is a function not only of parenthood but also of one’s financial status, health status, and social participation, and parenthood is linked with each of the latter three components. The study suggests that parenthood is associated directly with an increase of 1.48% in the level of self-assessed, older-age happiness and indirectly with an increase of 0.66% through its associations with the other three domains of happiness. The mediation effects are strongest through the financial pathway, followed by the health and the social participation pathways respectively. The results are consistent with previous studies in countries where non-family institutions that are intended to provide social security are relatively weak. In order to promote older-age well-being, this study recommends policies encouraging post-retirement financial independence, health-promotion programs, and the provision of community-based activities targeted at older people.

Keywords: Parenthood; Happiness; Old; Mediation; Thailand; D10; I31; J14 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1007/s10834-022-09831-6

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