ABSTRACT
The relationship between economic pressure and disrupted parenting is to be expected given recent findings from studies of the consequences of aversive events and conditions. Evidence from both laboratory and survey research indicates that unpleasant events or conditions promote hostility, negative thoughts and memories, psychomotor tension, and a tendency to behave aggressively toward others. Thus, in general, the frustration produced by economic hardship should foster an irritable, aggressive psychological state that operates to decrease warmth and increase hostility displayed toward others. This chapter examines a similar hypothesized process for parent-child interaction. Economic pressure is expected to increase the probability of harsh, explosive discipline, with feelings of hostility and irritability serving to mediate this relationship. A supportive spouse should foster emotional well-being and decrease hostility, whereas a tense, conflictual relationship should function as an aversive event, serving to increase hostility above and beyond that fostered by financial problems.
