The effect of material hardship on child social skills via parental depression and coparenting

Abstract Objective This study explored the mediational roles of parental depression and coparenting to the effects of parental material hardship on child social skills by considering the interdependent relationship between father and mother. Background The family stress model (FSM) represents a common framework for examining the effects of financial stressors on child development outcomes. However, previous studies have overlooked the role of coparenting and the dyadic family system, which incorporates reports from both fathers and mothers, in understanding the effects of material hardship through the FSM. Method Longitudinal data from the Future of Family and Child Wellbeing study were analyzed using an actor–partner interdependent model. A total of 3,003 children, along with their fathers and mothers, were included. Maternal and paternal material hardship was reported when the child was aged 3 years. Maternal and paternal depression and coparenting were reported when the child was aged 5 years. Child social skills were reported when the child was aged 9 years. Results The indirect effect of maternal material hardship on child social skills was mediated by maternal depression and mother perceived coparenting. An interdependent relationship between father and mother regarding material hardship and coparenting was found. Conclusion This study supports the FSM in the family system though maternal coparenting and depression and emphasizes the importance of material hardship on parent and child adjustment. Implications The findings underscore interventions designed to foster parental collaboration and reduce the psychological burden associated with economic hardship.