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Young Children's Behavioral Problems in Married and Cohabiting Families

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Listed:
  • Cynthia Osborne

    (Princeton University)

  • Sara McLanahan

    (Princeton University)

  • Jeanne Brooks-Gunn

    (Columbia University)

Abstract

We use data from the Fragile Families Study (N = 1,370) to examine child behavioral problems among children born to cohabiting and married parents who remain together until the child is age 3. The primary objective of the analysis is to determine how much of the difference in child outcomes at age 3 can be accounted for by differences in family economic resources, parental relationship quality, and parental health. We also investigate whether parents' marriage after the child's birth improves child outcomes. Results show that children born to married versus cohabiting parents have fewer reported behavioral problems at age three, and that differences in parental economic, interpersonal, and health resources can account for between 30% to 50% of the differences in child outcomes at age 3. Marriage following a cohabiting birth, however, is not associated with fewer child behavioral problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Cynthia Osborne & Sara McLanahan & Jeanne Brooks-Gunn, 2004. "Young Children's Behavioral Problems in Married and Cohabiting Families," Working Papers 950, Princeton University, School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Research on Child Wellbeing..
    • Handle: RePEc:pri:crcwel:wp03-09-ff-osborne.pdf
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    File URL: https://fragilefamilies.princeton.edu/sites/fragilefamilies/files/wp03-09-ff-osborne.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Deborah Roempke Graefe & Daniel Lichter, 1999. "Life course transitions of American children: Parental cohabitation, marriage, and single motherhood," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 36(2), pages 205-217, May.
    2. Linda Waite, 1995. "Does marriage matter?," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 32(4), pages 483-507, November.
    3. Wakschlag, L.S. & Pickett, K.E. & Cook Jr., E. & Benowitz, N.L. & Leventhal, B.L., 2002. "Maternal smoking during pregnancy and severe antisocial behavior in offspring: A review," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 92(6), pages 966-974.
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