Coping with stigma: Factors and experiences influencing millennial individuals’ decision to remain child-free
Christine Joy R. Beraquit, Desiree C. Sandoval, Carmina Janna Lim & Myra G. Flores
Abstract
While parenthood norms are associated with satisfaction and a lead of good and fulfilling life, there are still an increasing number of individuals choosing not to have children. This study explored the experiences of childfree millennial individuals and examines the factors that influence their decision not to have children. Voluntary childlessness or “child-free” individuals face a substantial amount of stigma from society. The study explored how these individuals respond to stigmatizing toward the decision to remain child-free. To uncover these insights, the study employed both quantitative and qualitative data to gain a comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon. A total of fifty (50) respondents from Lucena City, Sariaya, and Candelaria, Quezon in the Philippines participated in the survey and ten (10) randomly selected individuals were interviewed to enrich the findings with personal experiences. Quantitative data were analyzed using Weighted Mean, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and Factor Analysis, while qualitative responses were thematically analyzed to uncover deeper emotional and social meanings behind their decision making. This study not only sheds light on the multifaceted reasons behind the decision to remain child-free but also emphasizes the need for a more inclusive conversation, awareness, and community programs that respect life path diversity. By addressing these findings, this research can help guide real-world actions by encouraging schools, communities, and mental health professionals to offer better support for people who choose to remain child-free to reduce judgment and stigma surrounding this decision.
Keywords
child-free, voluntary childlessness, millennials, stigma, life path diversity, mental health
Author information & Contribution
Christine Joy R. Beraquit. Corresponding author. B.S. Psychology Graduate. Department of Psychology, Colegio De Santo Cristo De Burgos. Email: christinejoy.brqt.cdscdb@gmail.com
Desiree C. Sandoval. B.S. Psychology Graduate. Department of Psychology, Colegio De Santo Cristo De Burgos.
Carmina Janna Lim. B.S. Psychology Graduate. Department of Psychology, Colegio De Santo Cristo De Burgos.
Myra G. Flores. Research adviser. Doctor of Information Technology. Buenaventura Alandy High School.
"All authors equally contributed to the conception, design, preparation, data gathering and analysis, and writing of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript."
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Funding
This work was not supported by any funding.
Declaration
Notes
*This paper is a finalist at the 5th International Research Competition (IRC) 2025
Acknowledgement
This research paper is more than just an academic requirement. It’s a project close to our hearts, one that aims to give voice to experiences that are often dismissed or judged. Working on this study hasn’t been easy, but it’s been meaningful every step of the way. We couldn’t have done it without the support of many people around us.
First and foremost, we thank God for giving us strength during the overwhelming moments of this process. In times of doubt, we found comfort in quiet prayers and his grace kept us going.
To our beloved school, we thank you for providing an academic foundation and opportunities that allowed us to explore this research topic with curiosity and compassion.
To our research adviser, Ms. Myra G. Flores, we appreciate your guidance and advice throughout our journey. Your expertise, patience, and encouragement have been instrumental for us to navigate challenges, refine our work, and stay focused on our goal. We are truly grateful for your dedication and belief in our potential.
To our program head, Doc Carmina Janna Lim, for her continuous support to our department and for facilitating the completion of this research.
To the assistant program head of our department, Mr. Christian C. Ilagan, we thank you for your support that gave us the confidence to keep pushing forward. Your guidance and insights have been invaluable and greatly contributed to the improvement and success of our study.
To our statistician, Mr. Raymond T. Quilala, we thank you for helping and assisting us in analyzing the result of our study.
To our panelists, Ms. Noredine M. Gardose, Ms. Tristan Josua Mari V. Francisco, Ms. Jenny Whil Valenzuela and Ms. Zarah Ydizza A. Ranuda, we thank you for your feedback and insights that helped us sharpen the direction of our study.
To our respondents, we truly appreciate your time and cooperation. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us so openly and honestly.
To our families, thank you is not enough to express our deepest gratitude for your unconditional love, and unwavering support. Your sacrifices, understanding, and constant encouragement gave us the strength to overcome every challenge and the courage to pursue our dreams with purpose and passion.
To our psych-mates, we extend our deepest appreciation for the encouragement, the camaraderie have enriched our academic journey and strengthened our commitment to the field.
And lastly, to each other, for every brainstorming session, late-night edit, and moment of doubt, we did this together, and we did it well.
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Cite this article:
Beraquit, C.J.R., Sandoval, D.C., Lim, C.J. & Flores, M.G. (2025). Coping with stigma: Factors and experiences influencing millennial individuals’ decision to remain child-free. The Research Probe, 5(2), 133-153. https://doi.org/10.53378/trp.198
License:
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) International License.
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