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Journal of Modern Foreign Psychology
2025. Vol. 14, no. 4, 146–154
doi:10.17759/jmfp.2025140415
ISSN: 2304-4977 (online)

Delayed motherhood as the phenomenon of modern parenting

 
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Abstract

Context and relevance. The article explores the phenomenon of delayed motherhood as a contemporary reproductive strategy shaped under the influence of social, biological, and psychological factors. In recent decades, there has been an observed trend toward increasing first-time parenting age in industrially developed countries, which is related to changes in family models, career priorities, educational trajectories, and cultural norms. Objective. To examine reduced fertility and growing medical risks associated with advanced maternal age, along with psychological aspects such as individual motivations, fears, sense of preparedness for parenthood, and the impact of societal norms on decisions regarding childbirth. Analysis includes the use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs), including In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and oocyte cryopreservation, as well as discussion of ethical issues concerning late-age motherhood, encompassing questions about reproductive autonomy, social pressure, and potential commercialization of procedures. Conclusions. Emphasis is placed on the need for further interdisciplinary research aimed at comprehensively studying the biological, psychological, and sociological dimensions of deferred motherhood. Findings from these studies may contribute to developing effective programs for psychological support of women using ARTs and informing society about realistic expectations and possible risks associated with late-stage reproduction.

General Information

Keywords: delayed motherhood phenomenon, fertility, psychological aspects, family planning, late reproductive age, family structures, making decisions about childbearing

Journal rubric: General Psychology

Article type: review article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/jmfp.2025140415

Received 19.04.2025

Revised 16.11.2025

Accepted

Published

For citation: Mazur, D.A., Burlakova, N.S. (2025). Delayed motherhood as the phenomenon of modern parenting. Journal of Modern Foreign Psychology, 14(4), 146–154. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17759/jmfp.2025140415

© Mazur D.A., Burlakova N.S., 2025

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

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Information About the Authors

Daria A. Mazur, 1st year postgraduate student, Department of Neuro- and Pathopsychology, Faculty of Psychology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0490-7944, e-mail: dariamazurmsu@ya.ru

Natalia S. Burlakova, Candidate of Science (Psychology), Associate Professor, Chair of Neuro- and Pathopsychology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7244-6509, e-mail: naburlakova@yandex.ru

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