A Systematic Review: Factors Mediating the Effects of Early Childhood Poverty

Purpose: Child poverty and its negative impact on children’s developmental outcomes have been examined by many studies ((Brooks-Gunn & Duncan, 1997; Guo, 2000; Kagan, 2009; Magnuson, 2013; Mayer, 2006; Ruhm & Waldfogel, 2011; Sylva et al., 2005). Evidence shows that harmful effects become pronounced early in life and affect different aspects of children’s outcomes such as health and social-emotional and cognitive development. In response to these findings, the investigation of factors mitigating adverse childhood experiences has become increasingly common. Studies that explore the effects of early childhood poverty claim that the path from childhood poverty to children’s outcomes is not a direct one. Poverty affects children through mediating factors/variables, some of which are robust in modifying or reversing the negative impact of early deprivation on children (Brooks-Gunn & Duncan, 1997; Guo, 2000; Kagan, 2009; Magnuson, 2013; Mayer, 2006; Ruhm & Waldfogel, 2011; Sylva et al., 2005).

This paper identifies and synthesizes results from studies that have examined factors/variables that mitigate the negative impact of early childhood poverty on children’s developmental outcomes. In addition, factors/variables that have been proven to be the most effective in lessening the detrimental effects of poverty were also identified.

 Method: A systematic review of seven databases was conducted to identify articles in peer-reviewed journals published after 1990. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: a) conducted in the United States; b) explored factors that mitigate the effects of early childhood poverty; c) utilized a rigorous methodology. At the initial stage, abstracts that included the main terms and key words were identified; the next stage focused on the selection of studies based on predetermined conceptual and methodological inclusion/exclusion criteria. The systematic review was organized according to the mediating factors discussed in the literature, the methodology, and the design of the selected studies.

Results: 36 studies were identified for an abstract review. However, only 11 studies were included in the final analysis. Results showed that factors such as warm parenting, the home environment (which includes the physical environment and the possession of cognitive stimulating materials at home), and participation in early childhood educational programs play an important role in mediating the long-lasting, damaging effects of poverty experienced during the early years. Children who participated in high quality early childhood programs, who spent more quality time with their parents, and who were exposed to cognitive stimulating materials (books, toys, video games etc) at home demonstrated better outcomes compared to children who did not have the same aspects/factors in their lives.

Conclusions and Implications: These findings are important for child welfare practice as well as policy. First, interventions that are directed towards aspects/factors that mitigate the harmful effects of poverty improve the outcomes of children and ensure their better development, thereby improving their future prospects. Second, early interventions targeting the factors discussed have proven to be cost-effective in the long run.