Family financial stress, parenting and problem behavior in adolescents: an actor-partner interdependence approach

Journal article

In this study, we examine how financial stress is associated with problem behavior in adolescents through the lives of their parents. Using an actor–partner interdependence model, we explore pathways within (actor) and between (partner) parents. Our data included 340 families, with both parents rating their financial stress, depressive symptoms, and interparental conflict, and with parents and adolescents rating parenting and problem behavior in adolescents. The results indicate that the association between financial stress and problem behavior in adolescents is mediated by depressive symptoms, interparental conflict, and positive parenting. Another finding is that financial stress has direct and indirect effects on interparental conflict. Furthermore, the impact of financial stress on positive parenting is greater for fathers than it is for mothers. Although actor effects are more prominent, there is also evidence of partner effects. Our results underscore the importance of including multiple family members in studies on family stress processes.

Authors: Ponnet, K; Wouters, E; Goedemé, T; Mortelmans, D

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Journal: Journal of Family Issues
• Volume: 37
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 574-597
• Publication date: 2013-12-25
• DOI: 10.1177/0192513x13514409
• EISSN: 1552-5481
• ISSN: 0192-513X
• Language: English
• Keywords: adolescents; family processes; mother-child relationship; father-child relationship; dyadic relationship/quality/satisfaction