Factors influencing parental adaptation: A double ABC-X model approach

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic imposed unprecedented stressors on families, compelling parents to adapt to a global crisis of unparalleled magnitude. Research has emphasized the need to study the contributions of family resources, positive perceptions, and adaptive coping to parental adaptation outcomes. Objective: The current cross-sectional study examined parental adaptation during the pandemic, specifically the contributory role of family resources, positive perceptions, and adaptive coping using the double ABC-X model. Method: The analytical cohort comprised 1,386 parents extracted from the American sample of Ben Brik's (2020) Family Study. Intervariable relationships were assessed through multiple regression analyses. Results: Parenting quality, family relationships, resilience beliefs, and adaptive coping were found to significantly contribute to parental adaptation. Parenting quality was the strongest and most significant contributor to parental adaptation. Family resilience beliefs were found to be a significant moderator between stressors and parental adaptation, whereas parenting quality acted as a moderator between stressor pileup and marital satisfaction. Implications: This study have several implications for clinical service provision and policy development. Policymakers should address educational disparities, allocate resources to parenting education programs and mental health services, and reinforce family capital and support networks. Conclusion: The double ABC-X model offers a robust framework for evaluating parental adaptation, stressors, resources, and coping strategies during the pandemic. The current study suggests the potential importance of understanding the complex interplay between these factors and their effects on parental outcomes. Findings can help inform interventions and support systems designed to assist parents in managing stress and fostering healthy family relationships.