Associations between family resilience and health outcomes among kinship caregivers and their children

Abstract

The health and mental health of kinship caregivers and their children have been the foci of substantial research and intervention over the last four decades. While evidence suggests the challenging circumstances surrounding kinship care may be linked with suppressed health outcomes, we have yet to examine how family resilience, defined as the transactional, intrafamilial processes that promote a family’s ability to weather and grow through adversity, might shape multigenerational health and mental health outcomes in kinship families. Using data from the 2017–2019 National Survey of Children’s Health, the current study examines associations between family resilience and health outcomes among kinship caregivers and their children. Weighted multiple linear regression analyses revealed family resilience was positively associated with global ratings of caregiver health, caregiver mental health, and child health. Family resilience was also negatively associated with parenting stress. Weighted logistic regression analyses revealed family resilience was associated with decreased odds of children having behavioral problems but was not associated with the odds of children having an internalizing disorder. Findings suggest kinship families that regularly engage in mutual support and problem solving may be better positioned to promote multigenerational health and mental health outcomes.