Maternal Characteristics and Child Problem Behaviors: A Comparison of Foster and Biological Mothers

Authors

Rose Lucey, Marquette University
Robert A. Fox, Marquette UniversityFollow
Judith B. Byrnes, Marquette University

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

20 p.

Publication Date

7-2007

Publisher

Taylor & Francis (Routledge)

Source Publication

Journal of Family Social Work

Source ISSN

1052-2158

Abstract

The purpose of this exploratory study was to compare the parenting behavior, stress and support of foster mothers and biological mothers of young children. A sample of 60 mothers of young children (30 foster mothers, 30 biological mothers) completed measures of parenting behavior, parenting stress, child problem behaviors, and perceived social support. Findings indicated that biological mothers were single and younger than foster mothers. In addition, biological mothers utilized more verbal and corporal discipline than foster mothers, experienced greater parental distress and received less social support for their parenting. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Comments

Accepted version. Journal of Family Social Work, Vol. 10, No. 4 (July 2007): 23-42. DOI. © 2007 Taylor & Francis (Haworth Press). Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Lucey, Rose; Fox, Robert A.; and Byrnes, Judith B., "Maternal Characteristics and Child Problem Behaviors: A Comparison of Foster and Biological Mothers" (2007). College of Education Faculty Research and Publications. 41.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/edu_fac/41