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Ethnic Differences in the Effects of Intergenerational Relations on Adolescent Problem Behavior in U.S. Single-Mother Families

National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei

Michael P. Farrell

University at Buffalo, The State University of New York

This study examines whether the effects of single-mother families (SMFs) on adolescent problem behavior are buffered by supportive mothering and the involvement of nonresident fathers and whether the effectiveness of these two buffers varies by ethnicity. Based on the data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, the authors find that supportive mothering within SMFs buffers their effects for most groups. Compared to other ethnic groups, Asian American mothers’ supportiveness is less effective in buffering the impact on drug use. For Black adolescents, nonresident father involvement buffers the effects on delinquency and drug use. However, Asian American and Hispanic father involvement in SMFs is associated with increased problem behavior. The findings suggest that ethnic groups with more experience dealing with SMFs may be ahead of those with less experience in developing child-rearing practices that buffer the effects of SMFs on problem behavior.

Key Words: single-mother families • adolescent problem behavior • ethnic difference • intergenerational relation

Journal of Family Issues, Vol. 27, No. 8, 1137-1158 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/0192513X06288123


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