engleski

Parenthood and well-being: case of hemophilia

Research so far have only partially supported lay belief that parenthood is central to a meaningful and fulfilling life, opposed to emptier and less satisfying childless life, showing parents often feel higher levels of stress, financial strain, lack of free time etc. compared to childless individuals. However, these findings may be different in case of a disability or chronic illness, when additional strains and struggles are present in one’s life. Hemophilia is a rare, hereditary blood-clotting disorder with severe medical and psychosocial consequences effecting all aspects of life and ultimately well-being. Interested to explore the link between parenthood and well-being, the main goal of this study was to compare well-being (WB) of parents and childless men with hemophilia. Study was conducted in Croatia and comprehensive questionnaire was administered using paper-pen method. For the purpose of this study, only results on general and specific indicators of WB and demographics were used. Using total sample (N=127), only men with hemophilia type A and between 20-60 were considered (N=83) and their results were further divided in four groups to match Erikson’s development theory: younger (20-40 y.o.) parents (N=21) and childless (N=27), and middle-aged (41-60 y.o.) parents (N=21) and childless (N=14) participants. In average, group of parents were employed, with high school diploma and married, while childless participants were mostly unemployed high school graduates and single. Results indicate that younger parents were happier (M= compared to middle aged parents ; while childless men felt equally happy and satisfied with life regardless of their age. Younger childless participants were more satisfied with family and social acceptance compared to middle aged. Among younger participants, parents were happier and more satisfied with life, financial status and achievement compared to childless counterparts. In middle age, parents felt happier and more satisfied with achievement and family relations. Results will be discussed in the framework of Erikson’s theory and possible practical implications.

parenthood ; hemophilia ; well-being ; happiness ; life satisfaction

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