The Role of Neighborhood and Emotional Support in Mitigating Impacts of Economic Stress Among Stepfamilies

Individuals in stepfamilies face unique challenges compared to those in two-parent, biologically connected families. Given these unique circumstances, it is unclear whether established models of economic hardship and their impacts on family processes and children’s development are applicable across diverse family structures. This study aims to test the Family Stress Model (FSM) within stepfamilies, as well as identify the potential role of neighborhood support and emotional support for parenting in mitigating the pathways within the FSM. Using multi-group structural equation modeling and leveraging a nationally representative dataset, this study analyzed data from children in stepfamilies in the United States (N = 2512, $${M}_{age}$$ = 12.73, 48.25% female). The results indicated that the FSM was applicable to stepfamilies in the United States context. Moreover, both neighborhood support and emotional support for parenting moderated the association between parental mental health and parental aggravation. Emotional support for parenting also moderated the association between parental aggravation and child internalizing problems. These findings have practical implications for practitioners and educators working with children and individuals in stepfamilies.