Stressful life events and associations with child and family emotional and behavioral well-being in diverse immigrant and refugee populations.

Abstract

Objective: Although stressful life events (SLEs) have been suggested to be associated with child well-being, few studies have examined SLEs with child and family behavioral and emotional well-being, especially within diverse populations. The current study examined the associations between SLEs and child behavioral and emotional outcomes, in addition to family-level measures of well-being. Method: Children 5-7 years old and their families (n ϭ 150) from 6 racial and ethnic groups (n ϭ 25 each for African American, Hispanic, Hmong, Native American, Somali, White families) participated in this mixed-methods study. Participants were recruited through primary care clinics. Results: Results showed that all racially and ethnically diverse immigrant and refugee families were experiencing SLEs. The majority of diverse children were experiencing emotional and behavioral problems (i.e., hyperactivity, emotional) in the face of SLEs (i.e., combined SLE score, health-related events), with Somali children being at highest risk. Additionally, the majority of diverse families did not experience lower family functioning in response the SLEs, except regarding certain SLEs (i.e., health-related, legal). However, specific families (i.e., Somali) experienced lower family functioning in the face of multiple SLEs. Discussion: Health care practitioners should consider screening and providing extra resources for reducing stress in children, given all children in the study had some emotional and behavioral problems in the face of SLEs. Additionally, it would be important for practitioners to know which families are at greatest risk for experiencing SLEs (i.e., African American, Native American, Somali families) to ensure they are provided with the resources necessary to mitigate the impact of SLEs. Public Significance StatementThis study investigated Stressful Life Events (SLEs) in racially/ethnically diverse populations. SLEs were prevalent and were associated with lower levels of emotional and behavioral well-being in some children. Many families experienced high levels of family functioning, despite having SLEs, which may provide potential intervention targets.

Difficult Toddler Temperament – Prevalence and Associated Factors at 18-Month Follow-Up of a Birth Cohort

“… 54 , 56 Culturally diverse families may be at higher risk for stressful life events and should be given particular attention. 57 …”

“…54,56 Culturally diverse families may be at higher risk for stressful life events and should be given particular attention. 57 Understanding and responding to a toddler's needs may be more difficult for parents who have a negative perception of their child's temperament. 43 In this regard, research has shown that parental perceptions of difficult temperament are related to greater parenting stress, lower mindful parenting, lower parenting sense of competence, and lower parenting efficacy.…”

Intergenerational Pathways Between Parental Experiences of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Child Weight: Implications for Intervention

“…Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are psychosocial stressors and traumatic events occurring before the age of 18, such as (1) physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect; (2) parental mental illness, substance abuse, or incarceration; (3) exposure to domestic violence or crime; and (4) divorce or household dysfunction. [1][2][3] Prior research shows intergenerational associations between parental experience of ACEs and negative health outcomes in their children. [4][5][6][7] For example, studies have shown associations between parental experience of 1 or more ACEs and increased risk for overweight/obesity, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and poor overall health among their children.…”

“…Both support for PA and limiting sedentary activity had the following response options: 1 = "Strongly disagree"; 2 = "Somewhat disagree"; 3 = "Somewhat agree"; 4 = "Strongly agree." Modeling of PA48 was assessed through 4 questions from a prior scale48 asking parents during a typical week how often they(1) Encourage [child] to do physical activities or play sports; (2) provide transportation or walk with [child] to a place where he or Continued doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2022.220134R1 Parental ACEs and Child Weight 43 copyright. on 20 February 2023 by guest.…”

CHAOS in the Home Environment and Child Weight-Related Outcomes

“…Parental stress has been demonstrated as a key moderating factor in the impact of environmental stressors on children's mental and physical health. [25][26][27] The relationship between household chaos and parents' stress levels may look different in different families. Further, there is a reasonable amount of evidence for the relationship between parental stress and child weight-related outcomes, including BMI, 28,29 but in combination with the other variables, has not been considered.…”