Examining the direct and indirect effects of multiple family transitions

摘要: In American culture the values of family and individualism are both highly respected, yet fundamentally at odds with one another (Cherlin, 2009). The contrasting can be seen in many facets Americans’ daily lives, particularly ways Americans form restructure families. Multiple transitions, defined as more than change to structure including, but not limited to, new cohabiting partners, marriage, divorce, terminations nonmarital relationships, remarriage (Elder, 1991; Ruschena, Prior, Sanson, & Smart, 2005), have become a normative part family, literature is relatively sparse on effects multiple notable exceptions (e.g., Cooper, McLanahan, Meadows, Brooks-Gunn, 2009; Fomby Cherlin, 2007; Osborne, Berger, Magnuson, 2012). focus this study examine direct indirect transitions maternal mental health subsequently, children’s behavioral academic outcomes. Data from first five waves Fragile Families Child Well-being Study (FFCW) was used test path models between well-being FFCW data collection began 1998 cohort 4898 children born large U.S. cities who were likely families risk experiencing poverty (FFCW). Results indicated that directly indirectly influence externalizing behaviors through depressive symptoms, parenting stress. Children’s internalizing indirectly, directly, influenced by symptoms verbal skills negatively associated transitions. underscore significance understanding processes experience they navigate highlight potential importance supports for parents during after