ECONOMIC PRESSURE, SOCIAL PARENTING, AND CHILD PSYCHOSOCIAL OUTCOMES: TESTING THE FAMILY STRESS MODEL IN SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

This study tests the applicability of the Family Stress Model (FSM) in the Saudi Arabian context by examining the linkages between household economic pressure, parental psychological distress, parenting practices, and children’s psychosocial outcomes. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among families with children aged 6 to 14 years, sampled across different regions in Saudi Arabia. Economic pressure was measured through indicators of financial strain, while parental distress was assessed using validated psychological scales. Parenting practices were captured through measures of social parenting behaviors, and children’s psychosocial outcomes were evaluated using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the hypothesized FSM pathways, with bootstrapped indirect effects estimating mediation. The results revealed that economic pressure significantly predicted higher levels of parental psychological distress, which in turn disrupted positive parenting practices. These disruptions were associated with increased emotional and behavioral difficulties in children. The mediation analysis confirmed that parental distress and disrupted parenting partially explained the effect of economic hardship on child outcomes. The findings support the generalizability of the FSM to the Saudi context and highlight the importance of strengthening family resilience in response to financial challenges. Implications for policy include the need for targeted social protection programs, mental health interventions for parents, and educational campaigns promoting positive parenting practices to buffer children against the adverse effects of economic strain.