Maternal characteristics associated with child behavior reports in head start settings

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the association between maternal characteristics and mother-rated child behavior reports for 435 predominately African American children enrolled in urban Head Start programs. Mothers who were adolescents at the time of their child's birth reported more favorable child behaviors compared with those who were not adolescents at childbirth. Less favorable ratings of child behavior scores were observed for mothers with a history of family substance abuse, depression, and welfare receipt. These findings should assist in policy decisions for the allocation of targeted family and child interventions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.