Title

Relationship Transitions and Maternal Parenting

Author(s)

Audrey N. Beck Audrey Beck (Princeton University)

Carey E. Cooper Carey Cooper (Princeton University)

Sara S. McLanahan Sara McLanahan (Princeton University)

Jeanne Brooks-Gunn Jeanne Brooks-Gunn (Columbia University)

Abstract

We use data from the Fragile Families Study (N=1975) to examine the relationship between mothers? partnership changes and parenting behavior during the first five years of their child?s life. We compare coresidential and dating transitions and recent and more distal transitions. We also examine interactions between transitions and race/ethnicity, maternal education and family structure at birth. Findings indicate that both coresidential and dating transitions are associated with higher levels of maternal stress and harsh parenting, with recent transitions having stronger associations than distal transitions. Maternal education significantly moderates these associations, disadvantaging children of less educated mothers in terms of maternal stress, and children of more educated mothers in terms of literacy activities.

Creation Date

2009-01

Section URL ID

CRCW

Paper Number

WP08-12-FF.pdf

URL

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Carey-Cooper/publication/24046675_Relationship_Transitions_and_Maternal_Parenting/links/0fcfd50e726432a6f1000000/Relationship-Transitions-and-Maternal-Parenting.pdf

File Function

Jel

D100, D600, I190, J120, J130

Keyword(s)

parenting, family instability, family structure, Fragile Families, nonmarital births

Suppress

false

Series

8