Association of public explanations of why children struggle and support for policy solutions using a national sample

Abstract

Purpose Despite evidence showing the importance of structural determinants for child well‐being and the existence of policies that can promote child well‐being, many communities are not adopting these policies. Limited awareness of structural determinants may explain this gap. This study establishes the public's recognition of structural determinants and their associations with support for policies that promote child well‐being. Methods Secondary analyses of survey data collected in 2019 from a random sample of 2496 adults in the United States. This survey asked why some children “struggle” (e.g., do poorly in school, use drugs, or get involved in crime). Respondents could select individual (e.g., lack of effort) and structural (e.g., low wages) explanations. Respondents were also asked about their support for policies that are supportive of children and families. Results Stronger beliefs of structural explanations were associated with greater support for policies that strengthen family economics, family‐friendly work, and afford access to high‐quality early childcare and education. Beliefs in individual explanations were inversely associated with support for these policies. Conclusions These findings suggest increasing recognition of the structural determinants that hinder child development may help increase support for policies that are effective in improving children's outcomes.

Examining narratives around adverse childhood experiences and social determinants of health in media coverage of substance use in two mid‐western cities

“…Research has found that when people understand the societal cause of an issue, such as substance use or childhood adversity, they are more likely to support policy solutions (Klevens et al, 2021). For example, those who recognize the role of economic conditions or access to high‐quality education in the current overdose epidemic are more likely to support more equitable economic or educational policies (e.g., increased minimum wage, increased access to high‐quality early childcare), whereas those who focus on individual factors that lead to substance use are more likely to focus on criminal justice or therapeutic responses.…”