The relations among cumulative risk, parenting, and behavior problems during early childhood.

BACKGROUND This study examined relations among cumulative risk, nurturant and involved parenting, and behavior problems across early childhood. METHODS Cumulative risk, parenting, and behavior problems were measured in a sample of low-income toddlers participating in a family-centered program to prevent conduct problems. RESULTS Path analysis was utilized to examine longitudinal relations among these constructs, with results supporting an indirect effect of cumulative risk on externalizing and internalizing problems through nurturant and involved parenting. CONCLUSION Results highlight the importance of cumulative risk during early childhood, and particularly the effect that the level of contextual risk can have on the parenting context during this developmental period.