How expected life and partner satisfaction affect women's fertility outcomes: The role of uncertainty in intentions

Abstract

Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB Ajzen 2005) as a framework this paper investigates the role of uncertainty in fertility intentions in order to improve prediction of fertility outcomes. Using two waves of Italian data from GGS, it shows the existence of a clear relationship between the stability of intention to have a child and realization of intention: uncertainty in a stated intention results in significantly lower realization of that intention. In addition, the results show that beliefs that having a child will improve life satisfaction and partner relationship have a positive effect on the stability of intentions to have a child. © 2013 Sociological Demography Press.