Title

Low-Income Mothers' Material Hardship and Children's Socioemotional WellBeing

Author(s)

Afshin Zilanawala Afshin Zilanawala (Columbia University)

Natasha V. Pilkauskas Natasha Pilkauskas (Columbia University)

Abstract

Research suggests that children from low-income families are more likely to exhibit behavioral problems than children from wealthier families and these adverse behaviors have long-term detrimental effects on academic outcomes, health and earnings. In this paper, we examine the relationship between material hardship, an economic indicator that describes concrete adversities, and child behavior. Specifically, we use data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study to examine the following questions; (a) Is material hardship associated with child socioemotional behavior, (b) Are particular hardships associated with socioemotional outcomes, and (c) Are there stronger effects for more recent or long lasting hardships? We find that children in households experiencing material hardship score significantly higher on aggressive, withdrawn, and anxious/depressed behaviors. Additionally, we find that a mother?s inability to pay bills, having utilities cut off, and having unmet medical needs have particular adverse affects on child behavior.

Creation Date

2011-02

Section URL ID

CRCW

Paper Number

WP11-02-FF.pdf

URL

https://fragilefamilies.princeton.edu/sites/fragilefamilies/files/wp11-02-ff.pdf

File Function

Jel

I320, H510, D310, D630, H310

Keyword(s)

low-income families, behavioral problems, children, academic outcomes, health, earnings, long-term detrimental effects, child behavior

Suppress

false

Series

8