Foster mothers' parenting stress and coparenting quality: An examination of the moderating role of support

Abstract Foster caregiver couples may experience a variety of stressors that non-foster caregiver couples typically do not encounter, (e.g., caring for a child with a traumatic background, additional financial strain). These challenges can increase their parenting stress, possibly leading to struggles with parenting and other relationships in the home, such as the coparenting relationship. However, having formal and informal support systems in place as a buffer for parenting stress have been found to be associated with positive foster caregiving experiences. The current study examines the relationship between foster mothers' parenting stress and coparenting relationship quality, and the moderating influence of foster caregiver role support. Based on data collected from 59 married, female, foster caregivers, results indicate that perceiving helpful support from both formal and informal support systems may act as a buffer by mitigating the harmful effects of parenting stress on the coparenting relationship. Implications for services to promote foster caregiver support, well-being, and placement stability are provided.