Genetic Influences on Childbearing Motivation: Further Testing a Theoretical Framework

In a previous paper (Miller et al., 1999), we developed and tested a theoretical framework linking human childbearing motivation to a neural substrate in the central nervous system. Central to this motivational model was a four-step psychological sequence that we postulated to underlie reproductive decision-making. The sequence begins with motivational traits, which lead to desires, then to intentions, and finally result in instrumental reproductive behaviors. Here, we re-examine and expand upon our framework, generating a new synthesis suitable for testing with genetic and psychological data.