Attitudes Toward Traditional Chinese Reproductive Norms and Fear of Childbirth Among Female Undergraduate Students in Mainland China

Traditional Chinese reproductive norms, which emphasize the continuation of family lineage and often perpetuate traditional gender roles, have historically been the dominant influences on reproductive behavior in China. However, during the past few decades, a significant number of young people—particularly highly educated young women—have begun to challenge these normative controls. Concurrently, fear of childbirth (FOC) has become increasingly prevalent within Chinese communities. This study aims to investigate the relationship between attitudes toward traditional Chinese norms and FOC in highly educated young Chinese women. Data were collected via a cross-sectional online survey of unmarried women undergraduate students in mainland China ( N = 1,076) who did not have children. FOC and attitudes toward traditional Chinese reproductive norms were assessed using self-report questionnaires. The study found that over one-third of female undergraduate students experienced intense FOC. In comparison with students who accepted the traditional reproductive norms, those who rejected them reported significantly heightened levels of FOC. These findings indicated that in the current social context where traditional norms persist yet are resisted by some young Chinese women, the resulting social pressure may lead to FOC among them. Future longitudinal research is needed to verify the association of resistance to reproductive norms with elevated FOC and clarify the underlying mechanisms.