This is the fifth blog in the series The 12 blogs of Christmas based on the Psychreg Journal of Psychology special issue on male psychology 

Yesterday’s blog demonstrated that one of the greatest sources of pain for men was not being allowed to see their children. Does this mean that men would be happier without children, and have a bachelor or MGTOW lifestyle? Today’s blog addresses that question. 

Dr Rob Hadley, expert in the emotional impact of male involuntary childlessness, asked 232 men and women about their interest in parenting. Among other interesting results, he found that around twice as many childless men wanted to be a parent compared to those who wanted to remain childless. This and other findings place a large question mark over the common assumption that men don’t want to become fathers. 

Dr Hadley’s study can be downloaded by clicking the link below.

Tomorrow’s blog moves to a totally different topic – whether men and women are different in how they favour other men and women.

If you are an older person who is experiencing problems related to not having children, you can call the Independent Agehelpline on 0800 319 6789

In case your holiday season is less than happy, here are some places you can contact for support: 

Samaritans lines are open 24/7 (365 days) Tel 116 123 (UK & Ireland)

CALM helpline is open 365 days 5pm - midnight. Tel 0800 58 58 58. Or try the CALM webchat https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/get-help/

If you are a father experiencing a stressful time post-separation, you can call the Families Need Fathers helpline 0300 0330 363 (9am - 10pm Monday to Friday, 10am - 3pm at weekends).

If you are a man experiencing domestic abuse, you can call the Mankind Initiative helpline weekdays 10am to 4pm on 01823 334244  

Dr John A. Barry is a Chartered Psychologist and Professional Researcher.  He is a leading expert in the areas of male psychology including men’s mental health and the psychological aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). His new book, Perspectives in Male Psychology: An Introduction (ISBN: 978-1-119-68535-7), co-authored with Louise Liddon, is published in the new year and is available to pre-order now.