Change in Financial Stress and Relational Wellbeing During COVID-19: Exacerbating and Alleviating Influences

Keywords

financial stress, COVID-19, relational wellbeing, family adjustment and adaptation response, family finance

Abstract

Guided by the family adjustment and adaptation response (FAAR) model and using a panel survey of 1510 adults in the US administered during the summer of 2020 and a mixed methods approach, we explored associations between changes in financial stress related to COVID-19 and relational wellbeing. Regression analyses showed that, compared to those who maintained their levels of financial stress, those who reported increased financial stress reported increased conflict and those who reported decreased financial stress reported decreased conflict. However, decreased financial stress was also associated with decreases in emotional closeness and relationship happiness, suggesting that changes in financial stress can lead to both maladaptation and bonadaptation in families. Qualitative findings provide insights into factors that may exacerbate or help alleviate financial stress related to COVID-19.

Original Publication Citation

Kelley, H. H., Lee, Y., LeBaron-Black, A. B., Dollahite, D. C., James, S., Marks, L. D., & *Hall, T. (2022). Change in financial stress and relational wellbeing during COVID-19: Exacerbating and alleviating influences. Journal of Family and Economic Issues. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-022-09822-7

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2022-02-09

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/8570

Publisher

Journal of Family and Economic Issues

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Link to Full Text

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