Effects of developmental relationships on the well‐being of youth in high‐stress families

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveIn this research, we investigate the effects of parent‐youth developmental relationships on 15 psychological and social‐emotional outcomes for 633 matched pairs of adolescents and parents (50% low‐income), including 176 who met the criteria for being high‐stress families.BackgroundFamily stress and childhood adversity have a significant negative impact on youth development, but positive family relationships can ameliorate those effects. Previous research has primarily focused on the affective and discipline domains, with a reliance on retrospective recall of childhood adversity and family stress.MethodThis paper engaged adolescents and parents in paper‐and‐pen and online surveys. Analyses are completed using logistic regression.ResultsYouth from high‐stress families who had strong developmental relationships with parents were 7 to 33 times more likely to report positive developmental outcomes in comparison to youth from high‐stress families with weaker developmental relationships with parents. By including a wide range of 15 psychological and social–emotional positive youth development outcomes, our current study illuminates a breadth of positive development that is promoted when families are able to construct strong developmental relationships, despite experiencing significant life stresses.ConclusionParent–child developmental relationships can ameliorate potential negative effects of childhood adversity and family stress on positive youth development.ImplicationsProgram and resource supports for strengthening parent–child developmental relationships are a necessary and critical part of the needed comprehensive response to adverse childhood experiences and family stress.