Exploring the factors behind single-child households in Iranian families

A qualitative study

Bibliographic Data

ID22410891
AuthorsJavad Yoosefi Lebni (0000-0002-9612-9145, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences), Ahmad Ahmadi (0000-0003-1067-6146, Allameh Tabataba'i University), Mandana Saki (0000-0003-0188-1666, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences), Rana Hosseini (0000-0002-8745-8000, Urmia University of Medical Sciences), Bahar Kkosravi (Lorestan University of Medical Sciences), Murat Yildirim (Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University), Seyed Fahim Irandoost (0000-0001-5916-477X, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, corresponding author)
Year2026
Pages1-22
Publication date2026-07-15
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Biosocial Science (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0021-9320 • E-ISSN: 1469-7599
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0021932026100601
PMID42454458
OpenAlexW7168401559
LanguageEN
References cited15

Single childhood is a growing social phenomenon in Iran that occurs under the influence of various factors that need to be identified. Therefore, the current research was conducted to explain the reasons behind only single children in Western Iran. This qualitative research was conducted using a conventional qualitative content analysis approach in Lorestan province, western Iran. The study participants were parents with one child who no longer wanted to have more children. Key informants were also involved in the study. To identify participants, purposive and snowball sampling were used. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 29 couples with one child and seven key informants until saturation was reached. Data analysis was conducted using the Graneheim and Lundman qualitative content analysis approach with the assistance of MAXQDA software (version 2020). Analysis of the interviews obtained four categories, 16 subcategories, and 205 initial codes. The main categories were (1) past negative experiences (concerns about the mother and child’s health, negative experiences with the first child), (2) weak support systems (lack of a supportive environment, dissatisfaction with married life), (3) changing social discourses on childbearing and parenting (spread of individualism, normalization of single-childing in society, considering having a child as more of a limitation, formation of new gender attitudes among women, changes in parental expectations of children, fading of religious beliefs encouraging childbearing, idealism in child-rearing, increased knowledge and access to contraceptives), and (4) inability to overcome challenges (financial challenges, lack of a suitable living environment, social hopelessness, missing opportunities for re-parenthood). Single-child families represent a complex phenomenon driven by a multitude of factors, necessitating interventions at the individual, family, and societal levels to address it. Enhancing financial support, expanding social welfare programmes, emphasizing religious norms that encourage childbearing, strengthening family bonds, and providing appropriate parenting models can potentially increase fertility intentions and behaviours.

Content analysis · Interview · Nonprobability sampling · Phenomenon · Population · Qualitative property · Qualitative research · Snowball sampling · Family Dynamics and Relationships · Global Maternal and Child Health · Reproductive Health and Technologies

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