Informal support and obligation contribute to fewer child behavior problems over time

Abstract

Objective This study used longitudinal data from a sample of low‐income mothers and their children to examine how informal support and obligation, or informal networks, contribute to children's behavior. We also tested the potential mediating role of maternal parenting stress. Background Many studies document the importance of informal support for maternal stress and child behavior to offset the negative impact of poverty for low‐income families. Evidence suggests the importance of also considering the obligations that such informal support access may impart. Method Using data from the Welfare, Children, Families Study, a longitudinal study of diverse, low‐income, urban mothers in three cities (n = 2142), we used a parallel process latent growth curve model approach to examine how informal support and obligation contributed to maternal stress and child behavior. Results Models indicated that mothers with healthy safety nets, including informal support and manageable obligations, had children with fewer behavior problems, and parenting stress partially accounted for the positive effects. Conclusions Results highlight the importance of considering reciprocity norms among low‐income mothers; one‐sided support or obligation can be problematic for both maternal stress and child behavior problems. Implications Results suggest the merit of empirically supported interventions to teach relationship skills and facilitate healthy relationships among low‐income mothers.