Adjusting to change: linking family structure transitions with parenting and boys' adjustment

J Fam Psychol. 2002 Jun;16(2):107-17. doi: 10.1037//0893-3200.16.2.107.

Abstract

This study examined links between family structure transitions and children's academic, behavioral, and emotional outcomes in a sample of 238 divorcing mothers and their sons in Grades 1-3. Multiple methods and agents were used in assessing family process variables and child outcomes. Findings suggest that greater accumulations of family transitions were associated with poorer academic functioning, greater acting-out behavior, and worse emotional adjustment for boys. However, in all three cases, these relationships were mediated by parenting practices: Parental academic skill encouragement mediated the relationship between transitions and academic functioning, and a factor of more general effective parenting practices mediated the relationships between transitions and acting out and emotional adjustment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Divorce / psychology*
  • Family / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mother-Child Relations
  • Parenting / psychology*
  • Personality Development*
  • Single Parent / psychology*