The influence of chronic stress-related biomarkers on the fertility trajectories of men and women
Strengthening knowledge on the factors related with people’s ability to have children and the timing of these births is essential for designing effective family policies and supporting individuals in achieving their reproductive aspirations. While a central focus of fertility research and policy debates have been the social, economic, and structural determinants of fertility behaviours, little attention has been given to the role of health and well-being. In particular, little is known about how chronic stress—a key indicator of overall health—shapes fertility trajectories over the life course and the mechanisms underlying this relationship.
Leveraging unique biological data from Understanding Society, this project investigates: (1) the extent to which chronic stress influences the probability and timing of having a child, and (2) whether this association varies across the life course. Moreover, to shed light on the mechanisms driving this link, it disentangles the role of partnership formation and dissolution as potential mediators. By using eleven chronic stress related biomarkers—objective measures of an individual’s health—rather than self-reported assessments or clinically diagnosed conditions, this study offers a comprehensive and biologically grounded approach to understanding the health-fertility nexus compared to previous analyses. By providing insights into the link between health and fertility, this project could guide interventions that support individuals in their reproductive choices and eventually support fertility levels.
Read more about Ester’s work on her university profile page.
