Stress in Black, low-income, single-parent families: Normative and dysfunctional patterns.

Abstract

Stressful life events and the effects of demographic and social network variables were explored in a study of 50 clinic-referred and 76 nonclinic, black, low-income, single-parent families. Dysfunctional families evidenced greater stress and social network characteristics were not significant mediators. The family's internal resources may be the most important buffer against stress.

Parental and family predictors of behavior problems in inner‐city black children

“…Specifically, high maternal psychological distress was an especially significant contributor to behavior problems in both boys and girls. Our results also confirm previous evidence that the chronic insidious stresses faced by inner-city black families are important contributors to increased risk for behavior problems in their children (Lindblad-Goldberg et al, 1988;McLoyd, 1990;Myers & King, 1980;Neff, 1985). However, the evidence is far more compelling that maternal distress and history of dysfunction were more important direct contributors to child behavior outcomes in these families than level of family stress load.…”

“…However, the evidence is far more compelling that maternal distress and history of dysfunction were more important direct contributors to child behavior outcomes in these families than level of family stress load. In fact, the negative effects of these maternal deficits are exacerbated by a concurrent high family stress load (Edelman, 1985;Garmezy, 1981;Lindblad-Goldberg et al, 1988).…”

“…On the other hand, both descriptive and empirical studies have indicated that factors such as family resourcefulness, adaptability and structure (Holliday, 1985;McAdoo, 1982), the development of reliable and effective social ties (Belle, 1982;Manns, 1981;McAdoo, 1982McAdoo, , 1986, and protective parenting styles (Airy, 1987;Clark, 1983;Ogbu, 1985) have historically served to mitigate the deleterious effects of socioecologically adverse conditions. For example, a recent study by Lindblad-Goldberg, Dukes, and Lasley (1988) noted the health-enhancing value of a positive outlook in dealing with adverse social conditions. The ability to appreciate positive life experiences rather than dwelling on the negatives served to protect inner-city black families against feelings of demoralization and social maladjustment that plagued their less optimistic counterparts.…”

The ‘Easy Street’ Myth: Self harm among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal female sole parents in urban state housing

“…In the terms of the literature, this interaction with police can be considered an 'on-going strain which must be endured [almost] daily'.9*7' Lindblad-Goldberg et al is one of very few studies to have considered this seriously with their construction of a 'vulnerability profile' for minority groups. 12 However, regardless of cultural background, in our study it would seem that 'helping' agencies were frequently unhelpful at critical moments of vulnerability. Furthermore, 'help' particularly from national welfare staff, was perceived by a large proportion of sole parents as not only unhelpful but 'rude and abusive', thus compounding poor self-esteem and the stigmatisation of sole parenthood.…”

Single Parents: Risk or Resource?

“…Evidence shows that, even in socially disadvantaged and stressful circumstances, single mothers with personal psychological resources are able to maintain positive feelings and to cope in terms of their parental responsibilities (Lindblad-Goldberg et al, 1988;Kolvin et al, 1990). As Kolvin et al (1990) highlighted in their study of prevention in inner-city deprivation, the effects of deprivation may be mitigated by the techniques that the mother employs in coping with family problems, her involvement with her children and her approach to childrearing.…”