Publication Date
Fall 2025
Course Name
Psychology & Social Sciences Capstone
Course Number
PSYC 495
Subject
Psychology
Abstract
This study explores how childhood trauma impacts parenting stress and coparenting relationships among African American mothers, especially those in nontraditional coparenting arrangements. It focuses on how early experiences like neglect, abuse, household dysfunction, and bullying can influence the way mothers manage stress and interact with their coparent. Nine participants completed surveys that measured their childhood trauma experiences, current levels of parenting stress, and the quality of their coparenting relationships. The findings show a clear connection: mothers who experienced more trauma in childhood reported higher levels of stress as parents and more challenges with coparenting, including poor communication, lack of emotional support, and ongoing conflict. These results emphasize the need for trauma-informed support systems that recognize the added pressures many African American mothers face. By centering their voices and lived experiences, this study helps fill an important gap in research and points to the need for culturally relevant approaches in therapy, parenting programs, and family services. [Abstract provided by the author.]
Recommended Citation
Romey, Mikyaila, "Trauma and Coparenting Stress in African American Mothers" (2025). Distinguished Student Scholarship Collection. 8.
https://fuse.franklin.edu/dssc/8
