Association between Support and Maternal Stress at One Year Postpartum: Does Type Matter?

Abstract

Left untreated, maternal parenting stress in the first year postpartum can have serious long-term consequences for both the mother and her child. Although studies have shown that perceived support can ameliorate maternal stress, more research is needed on whether the type of support matters when measured among a diverse sample of new mothers. Data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 2,412) were used to examine effects of four types of perceived support on maternal parenting stress and to test a moderating effect of education. Multivariate analyses of variance and ordinary least squares regression found direct effects of partner support. Emotional support from fathers was most ameliorative for a mother's stress regardless of education, race, or marital status. Predominantly, the association between support and stress did not differ by educational attainment. Implications for policy, research, and practice that buffer parenting stress for mothers of differing demographics are discussed.