Childfree by choice: A qualitative exploration of Asian/White interracial couples in a childfree marriage

The goal of this qualitative study was to explore the marital experiences of Asian/White interracial couples who voluntarily chose to be childfree. The present study utilized a sample of 10 heterosexual couples. The participants' ages ranged from 26 to 64 years old. All of the couples were interracial and comprised of ten self-identified White participants, four Filipinos, two Thai, one Japanese, one Indian, one Chinese/Japanese, and one Chinese/Thai. In addition, the number of years each couple was married ranged from 2 years to 22 years. Through the use of a semi-structured qualitative interview, a phenomenological approach was taken to answer the following: From the couple's perspective, what was the perceived impact of the childfree experience on the marital relationship and on their lives as a whole? Additionally, what were their subjective experiences of being an interracial and childfree couple in today's society, and how has that influenced their relationship with each other? The participants' interviews contributed to the identification of 8 major couples' themes, 2 major racial themes, and 1 major gender theme. Major couples' themes included the following: Mutual agreement; avoiding costs of parenthood, maintaining childfree benefits; overcoming social norms and misconceptions; initial family reactions; familial support and acceptance; desire for connection; and satisfaction. Minor couples' themes included couple's identity is independent of racial differences; interracial experiences are dependent on certain variables; getting needs met elsewhere; and cost of being childfree. In addition, major and minor White themes that emerged were White cultural/ethnic ambiguity; general value of respect; the nuclear family, and other childfree couples setting precedent. Major and minor Asian themes included disconnect from Asian culture/background; respect for elders; and the extended family. Lastly, female major and minor themes that were captured were the importance of support systems and life circumstances as a motivating factor. A model was developed to explain these couples' experiences and to provide a greater understanding of the many variables that are involved in their overall perceptions of satisfaction. The couples in this study were satisfied with their childfree decision and their marriage. The theme of feeling supported and accepted from family and friends seemed to be a primary factor in these couples' overall positive experiences. Thus, it seems that a couple's ability to connect with other things, other people, and most importantly with each other not only fosters a sense of resiliency in helping them cope, but also contributes to the strengths in a marriage that ultimately makes it satisfying. The implication of such findings establishes the importance of connection, support, and acceptance when working with childfree and interracial couples in a clinical setting.