Kinship Support and Maternal and Adolescent Well-Being in Economically Disadvantaged African-American Families

Abstract

This study tested a conceptual model developed to explain the link between kinship support and the psychological well-being of economically disadvantaged African-American adolescents. The relation of kinship support with maternal and adolescent well-being and mothers' child-rearing practices was assessed in 51 African-American families whose incomes placed them at or below the poverty threshold. Findings revealed that kinship social support to mothers/female guardians was positively associated with adolescent psychological well-being, maternal well-being, and more adequate maternal parenting practices (acceptance, firm control and monitoring of behavior, autonomy granting). Maternal well-being and more adequate maternal parenting practices were positively related to adolescent well-being. Evidence of the mediational role of maternal well-being and parenting practices was revealed. When the effects of maternal well-being and maternal parenting practices were controlled, significant relations between kinship support and adolescent well-being were no longer apparent.

Parenting Practices and Adolescent Internalizing and Externalizing Problems: Moderating Effects of Socially Demanding Kin Relations

“…Findings also revealed that mother's emotional support and family organization were negatively linked to externalizing while mother's psychological control was positively associated with adolescent's internalizing and externalizing problems. Results regarding the association of mother's emotional support and family organization with externalizing problems were consistent with past research indicating the positive links between parental acceptance (Ceballo and McLoyd 2002;Taylor and Roberts 1995;Taylor et al 2008) and family structure and organization (Clark 1983;McLoyd et al 2008;Taylor and Lopez 2005) with adolescent's psychological adjustment. Mother's emotional support may enhance adolescent's selfregard and self-acceptance and may diminish the likelihood of problem behavior.…”

“…García Coll et al (1996) maintained that support from kin has been a vital feature of family relations for many ethnic minority families and may help families overcome socially and financially based stressful experiences. An abundance of evidence has revealed the positive association of kin social support with the adjustment of parents and adolescents (e.g., Aschenbrenner 1975;Budescu et al in press;García Coll et al 1996;Lamborn and Nguyen 2004;McAdoo 1978;1982;Stack 1974;Taylor et al 2003Taylor et al , 2008Taylor and Roberts 1995;Taylor 1996;Taylor 2011;Wilson 1989). For example, results found that kinship support was significantly linked to adult's emotional wellbeing (Dressler 1985;Taylor and Roberts 1995;Taylor et al 2008).…”

“…An abundance of evidence has revealed the positive association of kin social support with the adjustment of parents and adolescents (e.g., Aschenbrenner 1975;Budescu et al in press;García Coll et al 1996;Lamborn and Nguyen 2004;McAdoo 1978;1982;Stack 1974;Taylor et al 2003Taylor et al , 2008Taylor and Roberts 1995;Taylor 1996;Taylor 2011;Wilson 1989). For example, results found that kinship support was significantly linked to adult's emotional wellbeing (Dressler 1985;Taylor and Roberts 1995;Taylor et al 2008). Among adolescents, support from kin was linked to lower internalizing and externalizing problems (e.g., Taylor and Roberts 1995;Taylor 2011) and positive attitudes regarding school (e.g., Lamborn and Nguyen 2004).…”

“…For example, results found that kinship support was significantly linked to adult's emotional wellbeing (Dressler 1985;Taylor and Roberts 1995;Taylor et al 2008). Among adolescents, support from kin was linked to lower internalizing and externalizing problems (e.g., Taylor and Roberts 1995;Taylor 2011) and positive attitudes regarding school (e.g., Lamborn and Nguyen 2004). Social support has also been linked to more adequate parenting practices, including the provision of emotional support and the maintenance of structure and organization in the home (Taylor et al 2008).…”

Adolescent Development in Interpersonal Context

“…Given the changing demography of adolescence and the relative increase in the proportion of adolescents from ethnic minority groups in which extended family members are especially important, research on the variations and impact of relationships with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins would be a valuable addition to the literature. Extant research on African American adolescents indicates that, for example, social support from extended family members is an important resource for inner-city adolescents growing up in singleparent homes (Mason, Cauce, Gonzales, & Hiraga, 1994;Salem, Zimmerman, & Notaro, 1998;Taylor, 1996;Taylor, Casten, & Flickinger, 1993;Taylor & Roberts, 1995). Support from kin, in particular, appears to increase single parents' effectiveness in child rearing, and this, in turn, tends to limit adolescents' misbehavior.…”