Publication Date

2024

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Clucas-Walter, Melissa

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

School of Family and Consumer Sciences

Abstract

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to gain an understanding of factors that may influence emerging adults’ decision-making regarding family intentionality. Specifically, it aimed to answer two research questions: 1) What factors influence an emerging adults’ decision-making regarding family intentionality? 2) Is there a correlation between the number of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) an individual has experienced and their desire to have children? This study also examined how ACEs are factored into the different systems of Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory and how they affect the child at each level. This study utilized a sequential quan-->QUAL design, combining quantitative survey data collection with qualitative interviews. Analysis of survey responses from 52 participants revealed no significant correlation between ACEs and an individual’s desire to have children. Likewise, analysis of 10 interviews suggested that ACEs do not significantly impact the decision to have children. However, both the survey and interviews suggested that the decision to have children is conscious and influenced by a range of factors. These factors were examined within the framework of Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, highlighting the intricate nature of family planning decisions. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to understanding supporting emerging adults in their family planning journey.

Extent

109 pages

Language

en

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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