>4) Q: I'm also interested in any patterns you've found e.g regional differences or personality traits of people struggling with their child free journey?

If I were a natural researcher, versus a consumer of research, this would be something I'd love to dig into. Dr. Amy Blackstone has been researching the childfree since 2008 and has great information on the group as a whole.

With that said, I am going to answer this question from my personal experience and anecdotal examples. If you are wanting more of a global answer let me know and I can get into the research and let you know.

I haven't found as much of a regional difference outside of the usual differences we see between urban, suburban, and rural areas. I believe much of this is more related to SES, association with religious organizations, educational systems, etc.

Personality traits is a FUN one--because personality itself is a fun one. My professional view is that we are shaped by all the stimuli we are exposed to throughout our lives including our generational lessons and experiences.

What I have found is those who expressly choose to be childfree (not are childfree by happenstance or childless by circumstance) have been either parent-ified as children in one way or another. This and/or seeing the struggle of parents (theirs or others) in raising children.

Which is a direct opposition from the "Leave it to Beaver" model of family. So the choice to break from that feels more "obvious." However, it isn't necessarily easier.

Another trait, is the opposite of those above and those are the "lost child" and/or one of many that have not had the pressures placed on them.

Additionally, those who are childfree and it wasn't necessarily a choice but timing and/or partnering never worked out also demonstrate one of the things the many don't understand and that is -- they never felt the internal drive to prioritize having kids.

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I'm happy to discuss more if you're interested!