Terri Combs-Orme
College of Social Work
University of Tennessee
Henson Hall
Knoxville TN 37996-0164
US
Phone: 865-974-3704
FAX: 865-974-1662
Email: tcombs-orme@utk.edu

Elizabeth E. Wilson
College of Social Work
University of Tennessee
Henson Hall
Knoxville TN 27996
US
Phone: 865-974-3704
FAX: 865-974-1662
Email: Bethwilson@aol.com

Purpose
Many view religion as an influential component of African-American family life.  This study seeks to explore how maternal religiousness in the African-American family influences parenting stress and practices with infants under the age of one, and thus to contribute to knowledge that might support efforts for families in their quest to provide the best care possible.

Methods
A sample of 103 African-American mothers with infants were recruited at delivery and reinterviewed at home when the infants were 6-12 months old. Regression techniques controlling for demographic variables, previous parenting, maternal relationship quality with a primary caregiver, and family structure were used to determine the relationships among religiousness (Duke Religion Index), parenting behavior (Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment), and parenting stress (Parenting Stress Index).

Results
African-American mothers report being more religious than the average community population.  Unemployed mothers, highly educated mothers, and affluent mothers indicate more religious beliefs and behaviors.  Maternal responsivity is positively affected by religiousness (R2 change = .11, F change (1,69) = 9.42, p = .003) (B = -.38, t = -3.07, p = .003), as is maternal involvement (R2 change = .05, F change (1,69) = 4.66, p = .034) (B = -.25, t = -2.16, p = .034).  Religiousness has no influence on maternal stress, parental distress, parent-child dysfunctional interactions, and the designation of the infant as difficult.  Similarly, maternal acceptance and
the quality and quantity of learning materials in the home are not affected by religiousness (results complete and will be provided).

Implications
The importance of the church in the African-American community as a source of guidance and support needs to be cultivated as faith-based service delivery may be more cost- and time-effective in the provision of parenting services in this community.