Researchers say a new study marks progress in mental health service access, but more attention is needed to ensure these services meet the needs of women without children.
The University of Queensland study found that women without children are more likely to seek mental health support compared to mothers. Dr. Chuyao Jin from UQ’s School of Public Health analysed data from over 6,000 women and found that mental health service use among women without children rose from 7.4 percent in 2007 to 16.5 percent in 2022.
“Our findings also showed that women who were voluntarily childless or experiencing medical infertility had 1.3 times higher odds of seeking mental health support each year than mothers during their child-bearing years,” Dr. Jin said.
The study used data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, tracking women born between 1973 and 1978, from their early 20s to late 40s. Mental health service use increased for all women, regardless of parental status, rising from 6.3 percent in 2007 to 13.5 percent in 2022. Overall, 3,391 women—53.3 percent of the participants—used mental health services at least once during this period.
Dr. Jin noted that global fertility rates have declined significantly, from 4.8 births per woman in 1950 to 2.2 in 2021, making it increasingly important to understand the health implications of this demographic shift. In Australia, 16.1 percent of women aged 45–49 were without children in 2021.
The study divided women into four categories based on motherhood status: mothers (84.3 percent); voluntarily childless (3.8 percent); women experiencing medical infertility (5.6 percent); and women without children due to social infertility, such as lacking a suitable partner (6.3 percent).
Dr. Jin emphasized that while increased service use reflects improved access, it does not necessarily indicate that mental health treatments are effective. “We need to focus on whether these services address the diverse needs of women without children,” she said.
Professor Gita Mishra AO, Centre Director of the Australian Women and Girls’ Health Research Centre, added that many women without children face greater social pressure and exclusion than mothers. “During this time of year, many women experience stress with family and friends, but for women who are involuntarily childless, it can be isolating and difficult. It’s important they know support is available,” she said.
Women can access mental health support by booking an appointment with a GP and requesting a subsidised Mental Health Treatment Plan, which covers up to 10 treatments per year.
