Toxic Stress and Vulnerable Mothers: A Multilevel Framework of Stressors and Strengths

Abstract

Toxic stress is associated with poor health outcomes that extend across the life span. Although caregivers can protect their children from toxic stress through supportive caregiving, this can be challenging for vulnerable mothers living in socioeconomically disadvantaged environments. We aim to advance the science of toxic stress prevention by exploring the stressors and strengths experienced by vulnerable mothers through application of a theoretical framework, Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model. Following Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage scoping study framework, 179 articles were included. Key information was abstracted and each article was reviewed for relevance to the bioecological model. Results revealed that the sources of stress and strength are multilayered, transactional, and have a complex influence on caregiving in families at risk of toxic stress. Future research should include empirical investigations of the complex relationships among these stressors and strengths, and the development of preventive interventions to support vulnerable families at risk of toxic stress.

Women in a situation of homelessness and violence: a single-case study using the photo-elicitation technique

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The potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child growth and development: a systematic review

“…Under the appropriate care and support of adults who provide children with constant feelings of security and affection, the child’s body reorganizes itself biochemically and quickly returns to levels of physiological functioning without further damage. 16 However, when this support is non-existent or inadequate, a failure of the body's functions to return to basal level primarily impacts the cardiovascular and neurological systems, with consequent irreversible loss of connections in the infant brain, due to toxic stress. 17 , 18…”

Reframing the narrative: Black maternal mental health and culturally meaningful support for wellness

“…Studies linking Black maternal mental health to child social, emotional, and behavioral development are growing. These studies have demonstrated that maternal mental health outcomes such as elevated depressive symptoms or probable depression are associated with problematic parenting (Ammerman et al., 2010; Beeber et al., 2014; Condon & Saddler, 2019; Koblinsky, Kuvalanka, & Randolph, 2006; May, Azar, & Matthews, 2018). Other studies have demonstrated that problematic parenting (e.g., poorer parental warmth, relationship quality, and effectiveness) is related to emotional, social, and behavioral concerns in children (Conger et al., 2002; Edwards, & Hans, 2015; Holmes, 2013; Shonkoff et al., 2012; Washington, Rose, Colombo, Hong, & Coard, 2015).…”