Community Resilience Predictors of Parental Stress and Family Stability Following Local Public Health Emergencies Evidence from a Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

Local public health emergencies, such as infectious disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and environmental hazards, significantly disrupt family functioning and increase parental stress. This study investigates the predictors of parental stress and family stability in the context of community resilience following local public health emergencies. Using a mixed methods design, data were collected from 482 parents across multiple urban and suburban regions affected by recent public health crises. Quantitative measures included standardized assessments of parental stress, family cohesion, social support networks, and community engagement, while qualitative interviews explored family coping strategies, perceived community support, and adaptive behaviors during crises. Results indicate that higher levels of perceived community resilience, including access to resources, social cohesion, and effective local communication, are associated with lower parental stress and higher family stability. Families with strong internal cohesion and adaptive coping mechanisms reported better outcomes even when external stressors were significant. Conversely, families experiencing weaker community support or lower social cohesion exhibited higher levels of parental stress, disrupted routines, and lower overall family functioning. Multivariate analyses revealed that community resilience not only directly influenced family outcomes but also moderated the relationship between crisis intensity and parental stress. Qualitative findings highlighted that parental perceptions of neighborhood trust, access to emergency information, and collaborative problem-solving were central to maintaining family stability. These results underscore the importance of integrating community-level interventions into public health emergency planning, emphasizing the role of local networks, communication strategies, and social infrastructure in supporting families. Policy implications suggest that investments in community resilience, targeted social support programs, and parental guidance initiatives can mitigate the adverse effects of public health emergencies on families. This study contributes to the growing evidence on the intersection of community resilience, parental well-being, and family stability, offering practical insights for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers in disaster management and public health planning.