Determinants and Dynamics of Reproductive Behavior Among Single-Child Mothers: An Analysis Using the Multi-Theory Model (MTM)

Reproductive Behavior Dynamics: An MTM Analysis

Abstract

Background
Childbearing decisions are influenced by psychological, social, and environmental factors. This study examined the predictive role of Multi-Theory Model (MTM) constructs in initiating and sustaining childbearing behavior among women with a single child.

Methods
A descriptive study was conducted in 2025 with 400 women who had one child. Demographic data and MTM constructs were collected via a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Analyses included descriptive statistics, normality tests (Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk), Spearman correlations, and multiple regression with bootstrapping, with significance set at p < 0.05.

 Results
Participants showed moderate to moderately high levels across MTM constructs. Behavioral confidence was the only significant predictor of initiation of childbearing (β = 0.34, p < 0.001, R² = 0.145), whereas transformational emotions significantly predicted the sustenance of behavior (β = 0.26, p < 0.001, R² = 0.168). Other constructs, including social environment and practice for change, contributed positively but were not significant. Correlation analyses confirmed that behavioral confidence and transformational emotions had the strongest associations with both initiation and continuation of childbearing behavior.

Conclusion
Behavioral confidence and emotional transformation play central roles in initiating and sustaining reproductive and childbearing behavior, while environmental and social factors have secondary influence. These findings support the applicability of MTM in reproductive health research and inform theory-based interventions to promote childbearing among women of reproductive age.