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Parental and family predictors of behavior problems in inner-city black children
H F Myers1, S Taylor, K T Alvy
1Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles 90024-1563.
Insights
Maternal psychological distress and family stress increase child behavior problems. Family coping strategies did not protect children, and some coping methods were harmful.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Family Studies
- Urban Health
Background:
- Inner-city children face unique stressors.
- Understanding factors influencing child behavior is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate predictors of behavior problems in inner-city Black children.
- Examine the roles of maternal distress, family stress, and coping.
Main Methods:
- Studied 441 inner-city Black primary-grade children.
- Assessed maternal psychological distress, family stress load, risk factors, and coping strategies.
Main Results:
- Maternal distress and high family stress load correlated with increased child behavior problems.
- Family coping strategies did not mitigate risks.
- Reframing difficulties was detrimental; active help-seeking had mixed effects based on gender and specific risks.
Conclusions:
- Maternal and family factors significantly impact child behavior.
- Coping strategies' effectiveness varies; some can be harmful.
- Further research needed on resilience and vulnerability in this population.
Abstract:
Studied contributions of maternal psychological distress, family stress load, maternal and family risk factors, and family coping strategies in predicting behavior problems in 441 inner-city black primary-grade children. Results indicated maternal psychological distress and high family stress load were associated with high child behavior problems. Family coping strategies offered no protection against risk, while coping with life difficulties by reframing them was detrimental to child behavioral adjustment. Active help-seeking strategies (i.e., family mobilization, acquiring social supports) served to moderate the effects of maternal psychological distress and family risk attributes for boys, but exacerbated the effects of dysfunctional maternal social and psychiatric histories for girls. Implications for understanding vulnerability and resilience in inner-city black children and recommendations for future research are discussed.