earticle

영어

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of lifestyle on the perceived value of children in university students. Questionnaires were distributed to 467 university students with questions covering topics including general personal information and characteristics, lifestyle type, and value of children. First, a cluster analysis based on lifestyle showed that the subjects could be categorized into three groups: negative-leisure types, active-achievement types, and affirmative-fidelity types. The negative- leisure type was highly leisure-oriented and showed a negative self-value; the active-achievement type showed a perspective that valued personal and occupational self-development and a high level of labor- oriented value; and the affirmative-fidelity type favored materialism, seeking occupational aptitude and worth and showing a positive self-value. Second, an investigation of the impact of these three lifestyle types on the students' value of children revealed that the active-achievement type group had high level of belief in the necessity of childbirth, the affirmative-fidelity type group highly valued fulfilling an active parent role, and the active-achievement type group were inclined to delay childbirth. Further, the negative-leisure type group wanted the lowest number of children, while the affirmative-fidelity type group wanted the highest number of children. This study reveals that university students’ lifestyle does have an effect on their value of children. It is therefore proposed that a value-focused population education for increasing fertility should relate not only to individuals' value of children but also to their broader lifestyle.