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Early problem behavior among children from low-income, mother-headed families: a multiple risk perspective
Sheryl L Olson1, Rosario Ceballo, Curie Park
1Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 525 E. University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. solson@umich.edu
Insights
This study found that multiple risk factors, including parenting practices and family stress, are linked to externalizing behaviors in young children from low-income, single-mother households. Maternal self-efficacy plays a key role in mediating these effects.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Externalizing behaviors in young children are a significant concern, particularly in vulnerable populations.
- Low-income, mother-headed families face unique proximal and contextual stressors.
- Understanding the interplay of these factors is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify proximal and contextual factors associated with externalizing behavior in preschoolers from low-income, single-mother families.
- To examine the mediating role of maternal self-efficacy in the relationship between perceived support and child behavior problems.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 50 low-income single mothers and their preschool-aged children participated in two home visits.
- Data collected included maternal reports of child externalizing behavior, parenting practices, maternal emotional well-being, family stress, and perceived social support.
- Child behavior was also observed during a clean-up task.
Main Results:
- Child defiance during a clean-up task was directly associated with punitive maternal control in that specific situation.
- Multiple proximal (e.g., low supportive parenting, high punitive discipline, low maternal well-being) and contextual (e.g., low maternal support, high family stress) risk factors were linked to overall child behavior problem scores.
- Mothers of children with higher behavior problems reported lower self-efficacy, more punitive discipline, and lower satisfaction with support resources.
Conclusions:
- Maternal self-efficacy in coping mediates the relationship between perceived support and child behavior problems.
- Personal control constructs are vital for understanding and supporting highly stressed parents and their children.
- Interventions should consider addressing both environmental stressors and enhancing maternal self-efficacy.
Abstract:
Examined proximal and contextual factors most strongly related to externalizing behavior among young children growing up in low-income, mother-headed families. Participants were 50 low-income single mothers and their preschool-age children who were visited twice in the home setting. Measures of proximal (low levels of supportive parenting, high levels of punitive disciplinary practices, low levels of maternal emotional well-being) and contextual (low maternal support, high levels of family stress) risk were assessed in relation to maternal reports of child externalizing behavior and an index of negative child behavior during a clean-up task. Child defiance during the clean-up task was highly associated with punitive maternal control in the same situation but had no other direct correlates. However, multiple risk factors representing both proximal and contextual variables were associated with variations in children's behavior problem scores. Mothers of children with high behavior problem scores reported lower feelings of self-efficacy in handling child care and emotional stressors, more frequent use of punitive child disciplinary practices, and lower feelings of satisfaction with the quality of their supportive resources than others. Maternal self-evaluations of coping efficacy mediated the relation between perceived support and child behavior problems, suggesting that constructs of personal control are important to represent in future studies of highly stressed parents.