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Link Between Financial Strain, Interparental Discard and Children's Antisocial Behaviors

NCJ Number
234350
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 26 Issue: 3 Dated: April 2011 Pages: 195-210
Author(s)
Yok-Fong Paat
Date Published
April 2011
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article examines the problem of financial hardship in families and its effects on parents and their children.
Abstract
Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Well-Being Study, the author examined the impact of interparental discord on children's antisocial behaviors in families facing financial hardship. Structural Equation Modeling analysis of 1,222 pairs of parents shows that financial hardship can create turmoil in families' lives by increasing discord between parents. The findings are consistent with the notion that children who experience interparental discord have a higher disposition toward displaying antisocial behaviors. Multiple group analysis also reveals unique differences between mothers and fathers in terms of their conceptualization of strain, discord, and child outcome. While both mothers and fathers may attribute different meanings to financial adversity, their relationships with each other are significantly likely to suffer from household financial insecurity. (Published Abstract)