Material Hardship in the Postpartum Year: Links to Child Maltreatment
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Summary
This study examines how different types of material hardship experienced by at-risk mothers during the postpartum year are associated with subsequent child maltreatment. Using data from 3,966 mothers across 20 U.S. cities, researchers identified four hardship profiles. Mothers experiencing financial strain, particularly difficulty paying rent and utilities, and those facing severe housing instability, including eviction and homelessness, demonstrated increased risks of child maltreatment. Findings highlight the importance of addressing housing affordability and stability as part of child maltreatment prevention efforts, particularly for families with infants.
Topics: Family Risk Prevention, Family Dynamics and Relationships, Socioeconomic Policy and Financial Wellbeing
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Abstract
Background
Millions of mothers with young children in the U.S. struggle to afford basic needs. Material hardships such as inadequate food, housing, and medical care increase risk for child maltreatment as mothers face heightened physical and emotional strain.
Objective
The present study applied a person-centered approach to understand unique subtypes of material hardship experienced by at-risk mothers in the postpartum year, and links from hardship subtypes to subsequent child maltreatment.
Participants and setting
The sample included at-risk mothers who gave birth in one of 20 large American cities 1998–2000 and retained custody of their children at age 1 and 3 (N = 3966).
Method
Latent class analysis (LCA) identified subtypes of material hardship; mean maltreatment scores were estimated across classes.
Results
LCA identified four hardship subtypes with differential risks for maltreatment. Compared to “Stable” mothers, “Cost-Burdened” mothers – who displayed high levels of missed rent and utility payments – were significantly more likely to psychological abuse (χ2 = 5.04, p < 0.05) or neglect (χ2 = 4.46, p < 0.05) their children. “Severely Housing Insecure Mothers” – characterized by elevated rates of doubling up, eviction, and homelessness – were significantly more likely to engage in physical assault (χ2 = 16.25, p < 0.001), psychological aggression (χ2 = 11.15, p < 0.01), and neglect (χ2 = 17.55, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Difficulty maintaining stable and affordable housing is associated with elevated risk of child maltreatment. Efforts to prevent child maltreatment must incorporate access to housing screening and supports, particularly among families with infants.