Lithuania survey finds 40% of young adults not planning children due to loneliness and anxiety

A new survey commissioned by Lithuania’s Crisis Research Centre reveals that 40% of adults aged 18–45 currently have no plans to have children, with loneliness and future-related anxiety cited as the primary reasons, LRT reports.

The study identified key psychological barriers to parenthood: 22% of respondents lack a suitable partner, 17% feel emotionally insecure, 15% do not feel emotionally prepared, 13% believe “now is not the right time,” 11% feel they lack sufficient inner resources, and 7% report excessive uncertainty in life.

Jūratė Činčikaitė, a psychologist and psychotherapist at the Crisis Research Centre, noted that many young people struggle with partner searches as social interactions shift online. “People no longer meet in person—they exist in a virtual space with entirely different rules. The high likelihood of failure there discourages attempts altogether. After repeated disappointments, people stop trying,” she said during the results presentation.

Činčikaitė added that while global connectivity has expanded, meaningful relationships still require real-world interaction. Chronic stress levels, she explained, disrupt sleep and relaxation, reducing the desire for social contact and intimacy—key factors for family formation.

Emotional readiness for parenthood also emerged as a significant concern. “Many myths and unrealistic expectations create fear. No one can be a perfect parent, yet people avoid having children because they fear falling short,” Činčikaitė said. Public narratives around “emotionally healthy parenting” and childhood trauma further amplify this anxiety.

The survey, conducted by research firm Hubel, found no major regional differences in attitudes, though gender disparities were notable. Men tended to view parenthood as a natural life stage, while women aged 35–45 often framed it in terms of biological urgency.

Despite societal pressures, 70% of respondents reported feeling no external expectation to have children. Among those who do plan to have children, motivations included the desire for family closeness (52%), viewing parenthood as a natural life phase (50%), and seeking life purpose (48%).

Eleonora Šeimienė, Hubel’s director, observed that while 11% of respondents linked parenthood to the next 1–2 years, 16% saw it as a future but undefined goal, and 14% remained undecided.

The survey reflects broader trends in Lithuania, where birth rates have declined in recent years amid shifting social and economic conditions.