Family instability and the problem behaviors of children from economicallydisadvantaged families

This longitudinal study examined the relation between family instability an d the problem behaviors of children from economically disadvantaged familie s. Family instability was assessed when the children were ages 5 and 7 and included number of residence changes, changes of intimate caregiver relatio nships, and recent negative life events. The results showed direct concurre nt relations between family instability and preschool children's externaliz ing behavior in the context of other family process variables, relations be tween subsequent family instability and Ist-grade children's internalizing behavior (i.e., with preschool behavior ratings controlled), and an effect for persistent instability across grade. Moderator effects were also found for child variables, including gender, temperamental adaptability, and prio r externalizing scores.