In a 2016 study that compared what researchers called the “happiness gap” between parents and non-parents in 22 European and English-speaking countries, American parents were found to be most miserable. Furthermore, parents in countries such as Norway and Hungary were actually happier than childless couples.

Dr. Alicia Walker, assistant professor of sociology at Missouri State University, shares her insight on why American moms and dads are generally unhappier in this article on TODAY Parents.