Parenting stress in early motherhood: stress spillover and social support1

• DOI: 10.2466/10.21.cp.2.11
• Publication Date: 2014-11-17T19:28:03Z
• Authors: J Austin Williamson; Jennifer E. McCabe; Michael W. O'Hara; Kimberly J. Hart; David P. LaPlante; Suzanne King
• Keywords: Stressor; Affect; Association (psychology); Emotional support

Mothers facing stressors or lacking adequate support often find parenting more challenging and less enjoyable. This study examined the mechanisms through which contextual variables might influence perceptions of parenting. Participants were 153 mothers toddlers who completed interviews questionnaires on life adversity, social support, negative affect, stress. Life adversity was positively associated with stress this association mediated affect. Emotional moderated between appeared to promote in turn led regard their child as obstinate demanding interactions children Adversity had little effect parental among emotional support.