Six Years After an Economic Crisis: Child's Anxiety and Quality of Peer Relationships

Abstract

The purpose of this 6-year follow-up study was to determine whether there is a long-term relationship between economic stress and children's anxiety and peer-related behaviors. Data were collected from 39 of the 52 families in the original study. Analysis resulted in several interesting findings. Economic stress in 1983 was a moderate predictor of state anxiety, trait anxiety, and peer rejection in girls in 1989. Descriptive evidence was provided to indicate that detrimental effects of economic stressors on the family as a unit continue beyond the initial stress event. Implications for community health nurses (CHNs) are addressed.