This longitudinal investigation examined the influence of risk factors at age 5 on child competence at ages 5 and 6. We examined two competing explanatory models: (a) cumulative risk and (b) mediating, using six risk factors: perceived neighborhood threats, family poverty, negative life events, maternal alcohol use, maternal depression and lack of home stimulation. Child competence was operationalized by problem behaviors and cognitive performance. The sample included 217 low-income, African American mothers and their children recruited from primary care clinics. Annual evaluations included standardized developmental assessments, home observations, and questionnaires on children’s behavior, and maternal and family functioning. At ages 5 and 6 the children demonstrated more behavior problems and lower scores on cognitive performance than national norms. Results supported both models. Children living in families with > 3 risk factors had more problem behaviors and worse cognitive performance. At age 5, maternal depression and a lack of home stimulation functioned as pathways linking ecological risk factors (e.g., poverty, neighborhood threats, and negative life events) with children’s developmental problems. Longitudinal modeling illustrated high rates of consistency in child competence between ages 5 and 6. The impact of risk factors was fully experienced at age 5, with limited additional impact at age 6. These findings suggest that to promote competence among young children, intervention should begin early and should target risk factors at family and neighborhood levels.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, the audience should be able to: (1) Identify factors that undermine child competence in low income, urban African American families. (2) Understand that although poverty undermines children’s competence, neighborhood challenges, maternal depression, and lack of stimulating home environments are additional threats to child competence as they approach elementary school. (3) Recognize the need for early interventions that promote competence among inner-city African American youth.
Keywords: Competency, Risk Factors
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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Relationship: Not Received.