Work

Children’s coping with family stressors: Criterion profile analysis of patterns, levels, and mental health problems.

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study examined the association between children's coping strategies and mental health problems, focusing on both the pattern (relative use of distinct strategies) and level (overall frequency of use). In a sample of 240 children (ages 9-12 at baseline; 88% White; 49% girls) whose parents were recently divorced, we used a structural equation modeling-based approach to criterion profile analysis to determine whether coping patterns and levels independently predicted mental health problems at five time points and whether the relations differed across developmental stage (middle childhood and adolescence). Results showed that the pattern of coping predicted mental health problems more strongly than the overall coping level. Findings highlight the importance of understanding coping within the broader context of family transitions and relationships, offering implications for advancing theory, research, and interventions aimed at promoting resilience among children experiencing family stressors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Source: Journal of Family Psychology

DOI: 10.1037/fam0001487

Authors: Karey L. O'Hara, Stephen G. West, Irwin N. Sandler, C. Aubrey Rhodes, Rana N. Uhlman, Sharlene A. Wolchik

Institution: Arizona State University

Language: English

Topic: Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development