Understanding Motivation for Parenthood in Emerging Adults: Scale Validation and Psychosocial Correlates of Attachment, Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy

Valentina Lucia La Rosa, Katrijn Brenning, Elena Commodari, Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University

Emerging Adulthood

Published online on July 07, 2026

Abstract

Emerging Adulthood, Ahead of Print.
Motivation for parenthood develops well before individuals face concrete reproductive decisions, yet its structure during emerging adulthood remains insufficiently understood. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, this study examined the psychometric ...