ABSTRACT
Becoming a parent is one of life’s great psychological transitions. It signifies a shift in emotional allegiances and marks entry into a new, lifetime role. It is also a transition that is eagerly sought: most people in most societies want to become parents. But why should this be so? After all, parenthood is a highly costly affair, and not just in monetary terms. Physical effort must be exerted in caring for children, and time must be spent for childrearing that might otherwise be devoted to career development or leisure. These costs, apparently, are outweighed by the pleasures expected in becoming a parent.
