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Family Structure, Family Stability and Early Child Wellbeing

Author

Listed:
  • Terry-Ann Craigie

    (Princeton University)

  • Jeanne Brooks-Gunn

    (Columbia University)

  • Jane Waldfogel

    (Columbia University)

Abstract

This study exploits rich data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS) to distinguish the effects of family structure at birth from family stability over time on child cognitive, socio-emotional and health outcomes. We define two models: one that measures family structure at birth only and a second that measures possible changes in family structure since birth. We find that both family structure and stability are important to all child outcomes but for family structure, the results are attenuated by child and demographic characteristics. Family stability effects by contrast, remain significant even after these controls are included and also reveal that the cognitive, socio-emotional and health outcomes of children born to married or cohabiting parents are more adversely affected by changes in family structure over time.

Suggested Citation

  • Terry-Ann Craigie & Jeanne Brooks-Gunn & Jane Waldfogel, 2010. "Family Structure, Family Stability and Early Child Wellbeing," Working Papers 1275, Princeton University, School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Research on Child Wellbeing..
    • Handle: RePEc:pri:crcwel:wp10-14-ff.pdf
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    File URL: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Terry-Ann-Craigie/publication/228827417_Family_Structure_Family_Stability_and_Early_Child_Wellbeing/links/00b495286431d762dd000000/Family-Structure-Family-Stability-and-Early-Child-Wellbeing.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. Ryan, Joseph P. & Victor, Bryan G. & Moore, Andrew & Mowbray, Orion & Perron, Brian E., 2016. "Recovery coaches and the stability of reunification for substance abusing families in child welfare," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 357-363.
    2. Elizabeth Cavadel & Avery Hennigar & Robert G. Wood & Lane Ritchie & Katie Hunter, "undated". "Measuring Child Well-Being in Evaluations of Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood Programs," Mathematica Policy Research Reports de78f9c61a97444f91a70d69a, Mathematica Policy Research.
    3. Kelly Musick & Katherine Michelmore, 2015. "Change in the Stability of Marital and Cohabiting Unions Following the Birth of a Child," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 52(5), pages 1463-1485, October.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Asthma; Cognitive Ability; Behavioral Problems; Family Structure; Family Stability and Obesity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D10 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - General
    • D60 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - General
    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

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