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Material hardship and child outcomes in two-parent families: Perspectives from family stress, investment, and developmental cascade theories

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  • Um, Hyunjoon
  • Mincy, Ronald B.

Abstract

This study examines the impact of material hardship on the cognitive, academic, and behavioral outcomes of children at the age of 9 in two-parent families. It integrates the theoretical lenses of Family Stress Theory (FST), Family Investment Theory (FIT), and Developmental Cascade Theory (DCT) to examine both the direct and indirect effects of material hardship.

Suggested Citation

  • Um, Hyunjoon & Mincy, Ronald B., 2025. "Material hardship and child outcomes in two-parent families: Perspectives from family stress, investment, and developmental cascade theories," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:171:y:2025:i:c:s0190740925000611
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108178
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zilanawala, Afshin & Pilkauskas, Natasha V., 2012. "Material hardship and child socioemotional behaviors: Differences by types of hardship, timing, and duration," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(4), pages 814-825.
    2. Gary S. Becker & Nigel Tomes, 1994. "Human Capital and the Rise and Fall of Families," NBER Chapters, in: Human Capital: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis with Special Reference to Education, Third Edition, pages 257-298, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. Anika Schenck-Fontaine & Lidia Panico, 2019. "Many Kinds of Poverty: Three Dimensions of Economic Hardship, Their Combinations, and Children’s Behavior Problems," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 56(6), pages 2279-2305, December.
    4. Ariel Kalil & Rebecca Ryan & Elise Chor, 2014. "Time Investments in Children across Family Structures," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 654(1), pages 150-168, July.
    5. Marcia Carlson & Sara Mclanahan & Paula England, 2004. "Union formation in fragile families," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 41(2), pages 237-261, May.
    6. Reichman, Nancy E. & Teitler, Julien O. & Garfinkel, Irwin & McLanahan, Sara S., 2001. "Fragile Families: sample and design," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 23(4-5), pages 303-326.
    7. Lee, Hana, 2022. "Family economic hardship and children’s behavioral and socio-emotional outcomes in middle childhood: Direct and indirect pathways," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
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