Parenting Stress and Foster Children’s Adjustment in an Egyptian Context

Abstract

This study examined the links between parenting stress, parent social support, and child/adolescent behavioral problems and pro-social behaviors in a unique sample of genetically unrelated foster parents and children (age, M = 9.75 years; 68% females) in Cairo, Egypt. The initial sample included 78 foster families; 66 families provided complete data used for analyses. Parents completed the Arabic versions of the Parenting Stress Index Short Form, Social Support Inventory, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Overall, the variable distributions and correlations were typical of that observed in studies of Western families. Regression analyses revealed distinct patterns of links with child behavior problems vs. pro-social behavior. Findings are discussed with respect to the importance of sampling more globally diverse and representative types of parents and youth (e.g., around the world, and from different types of families).