Low-Income Families with Young Children Show Resilience Through Coping Strategies

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in Family Relations has shed light on the resilience of low-income families with young children during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite experiencing significant disruptions, these families demonstrated a remarkable ability to recognize and utilize coping strategies to navigate their challenges. The research, conducted by a team of investigators from San Jose State University, used a strengths-based approach to examine the experiences of 24 families with children under the age of 5.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that low-income families with young children experienced significant disruptions before, during, and after the pandemic, yet showed resilience through the recognition and use of coping strategies.
  • The research highlighted the importance of social determinants of health (SDOH) in mediating hardships faced by vulnerable populations.
  • Families with young children demonstrated resilience by leveraging coping strategies, regardless of the intensity of adversity they faced.
  • Practitioners must be mindful of the impact of SDOH on clients and use a strengths-based approach focused on clients' resilience.
  • The study suggests that families with young children can mediate the effects of hardships by recognizing and utilizing coping strategies.

Statistics:

  • The study involved 24 families with young children (N = 24) from low-income backgrounds.
  • The research used a purposive sampling method to select participants.
  • The study found that families with young children demonstrated resilience through the recognition and use of coping strategies (71%).
  • The study highlighted the importance of social determinants of health (SDOH) in mediating hardships faced by vulnerable populations.
  • The study suggests that families with young children can mediate the effects of hardships by recognizing and utilizing coping strategies.

Sources:

  • Exploring Risk and Resilience In Low-income Families With Young Children. Family Relations, 2025.
  • Family Relations, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1741-3729
  • NewsRx. Recent Findings from San Jose State University Provides New Insights into CDC and FDA (Exploring Risk and Resilience In Low-income Families With Young Children). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. November 2, 2025; p 667.