Researcher(s)
- Nicholas Bendel, Psychology, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Lauren Covington, School of Nursing, University of Delaware
Abstract
Background:
Raising young children is stressful, especially in families experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. Limitations placed on caregivers via financial constraints and access to resources, coupled with demands of toddlerhood, may increase stress levels. While the relationship between parenting and stress has been studied, what has not been addressed are the specific challenges caregivers face and the coping methods they use, particularly in a disadvantaged context. Thus, the aim of this study is to identify the stressors, coping strategies, and their effectiveness to get a deeper understanding of day-to-day stress in young families experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage.
Methods:
The Family Stress and Sleep Study enrolled 69 caregiver-toddler dyads who were eligible for federally funded programs (e.g., WIC, Medicaid). Caregivers completed two-weeks of daily electronic diaries reporting experienced stressors, their severity, stress management strategies and their effectiveness, as well as their morning mood. We used qualitative content analysis to assess mothers’ overall stress experience.
Results:
Caregivers were 97% mothers, 40.6% single, 62.3% Black, 25% had < high school education, 37.7% were employed full-time and their mean age was 33 years (SD=5.1). Their toddlers were 50% male and toddler mean age was 1.9 years (SD=1.0). Our qualitative results indicate that caregivers experienced stress daily and the utilization and effect of coping mechanisms were limited. Despite this, caregivers frequently provided effective bedtime routines and had neutral to positive morning moods.
Conclusion:
Caregivers of toddlers experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage feel stressed out daily. Healthy stress management strategies at the individual level are not effective, suggesting the need for broader structural changes. Future work is needed to better understand how coping strategies are employed and what structural changes will better support toddler caregivers.