The Effect of Unconditional Cash Transfers on Parenting Stress in Low-Income Households

Parents from low-income households often report higher levels of parenting stress, which may negatively affect the family. A promising way to help households in poverty is through unconditional cash transfers. This study examined the effect of unconditional cash transfers to low-income parents on their parenting stress, and whether this effect was mediated by the extent to which parents could cover child expenses. The hypotheses were that parenting stress would decrease and that this effect would be mediated by the extent to which parents could cover child expenses. This 6-month randomized controlled trial, with questionnaires at baseline and after six months, included 519 low-income households (277 in the intervention group and 242 in the control group). Households in the intervention group received an unconditional cash transfer of €150 each month. The effect on parenting stress was tested with a repeated measures ANOVA, and the mediation with a mediation analysis. The results...Show moreParents from low-income households often report higher levels of parenting stress, which may negatively affect the family. A promising way to help households in poverty is through unconditional cash transfers. This study examined the effect of unconditional cash transfers to low-income parents on their parenting stress, and whether this effect was mediated by the extent to which parents could cover child expenses. The hypotheses were that parenting stress would decrease and that this effect would be mediated by the extent to which parents could cover child expenses. This 6-month randomized controlled trial, with questionnaires at baseline and after six months, included 519 low-income households (277 in the intervention group and 242 in the control group). Households in the intervention group received an unconditional cash transfer of €150 each month. The effect on parenting stress was tested with a repeated measures ANOVA, and the mediation with a mediation analysis. The results showed that unconditional cash transfers to low-income households had no effect on parenting stress. However, parenting stress was negatively related to the extent to which parents could cover child expenses. This study has provided insights into parenting stress, especially regarding the relationship between parenting stress and the ability to cover child expenses.Show less

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The Effect of Unconditional Cash Transfers on Parenting Stress in Low-Income Households