Kinship Support and Maternal and Adolescent Well-Being in Economically Disadvantaged African-American Families. Publication Series No. 9.

This study tested a conceptual model developed to explain the link between kinship support and the psychological well-being of economically disadvantaged African-American adolescents. The relationship of kinship support with both maternal and adolescent well-being and mothers' child-rearing practices was assessed in 51 African-American families whose incomes placed them at or below the poverty threshold. Findings revealed that kinship social support to mothers/female guardians was positively associated with adolescent psychological well-being, maternal well-being, and more adequate maternal parenting practices (acceptance, firm control and monitoring of behavior, autonomy granting). Maternal well-being and more adequate maternal parenting practices were positively related to adolescent well-being. Evidence of the mediational role of maternal well-being and parenting practices was revealed. When the effects of maternal well-being and parenting practices were controlled, significant relationships between kinship support and adolescent well-being were no longer apparent. (Contains 3 tables, 3 figures, and 43 references.) (Author/SLD)