Military -induced separation: The influence of social support, parental stress, and child social -emotional functioning on parent -child interaction quality

This study sought to investigate supports available to National Guard and Reserve families as well as the difficulties and challenges associated with deployment of a family member. The study examined the relationship between parental stress levels and parent-child interactions in a sample of 31 parent-child dyads. Parent-child dyads completed the Marschak Interaction Method (MIM), a series of play-based tasks. A behavior rating system (the Marschak Interaction Method Behavior Rating System, or MIMBRS) was used to quantify the behaviors of the parent, child, and dyad on the MIM. The Parenting Stress Index, a parent self-report measure, was used to define levels of parental stress. Additionally, the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (BASC-2) assessed child social-emotional functioning, while the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ) provided information regarding perceived, satisfied social support. Interestingly, a regression analysis revealed that parenting stress did not predict parent-child interaction quality. Furthermore, results did not reveal a significant relationship between parental stress and parent-child interaction quality as hypothesized. A closer examination of the data through a scatter plot indicated that the relationship between parenting stress and parent-child interaction quality is non-linear. Qualitative data was used to help explain the quantitative results and provide personal accounts of the experience of military---induced separation and reunion. Parents reporting more Child Stress on the PSI reported more externalizing problems in their child(ren). However, this finding was not replicated with reported internalizing disorders. A significant relationship between parenting stress levels and perceived, satisfied social support was not found as hypothesized.