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Single Parenting and Child Behavior Problems in Kindergarten

Aurora P Jackson, Kathleen S J Preston, Todd M Franke

    Race and Social Problems
    |October 28, 2011
    PubMed

    Insights

    Parenting stress and spanking increase child behavior problems. However, positive nonresident father involvement can buffer the negative effects of harsh maternal discipline on children

    Area of Science:

    • Child Psychology
    • Developmental Psychology
    • Family Studies

    Background:

    • Parenting stress and physical discipline are significant factors impacting child behavior.
    • The role of nonresident fathers in child development, particularly among low-income families, requires further investigation.
    • Understanding protective factors is crucial for mitigating behavioral issues in preschool and kindergarten children.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To examine the influence of parenting stress, physical discipline, and nonresident father-child relations on kindergarten behavior problems.
    • To investigate the moderating effect of father-child contact on the relationship between maternal discipline and child behavior.

    Main Methods:

    • Longitudinal study utilizing two waves of data from 89 single Black mothers and their preschool children.
    • Assessment of parenting stress, physical discipline (spanking), father-child contact, and teacher-reported behavior problems.
    • Statistical analysis to identify direct associations and moderating effects.

    Main Results:

    • Higher parenting stress, increased spanking, and less father-child contact at Time 1 predicted more behavior problems at Time 2.
    • Nonresident father-child contact moderated the impact of maternal spanking; high contact buffered against negative behavioral outcomes.
    • Maternal spanking was linked to elevated behavior problems only when father-child contact was low.

    Conclusions:

    • Parenting stress and physical discipline are risk factors for child behavior problems.
    • Positive engagement from nonresident fathers can protect children against the detrimental effects of harsh maternal discipline.
    • Findings suggest interventions should consider strengthening father-child relationships to support child behavioral development.

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