However, it is unclear to what extent (changes in) dynamic family characteristics have an independent effect on problem development while accounting for
stable family characteristics and comorbid problem development.
An alternative explanation for the association between poverty,
family instability and children's cognitive functioning is that all of these factors might be associated with each other due to their association with previous
characteristics of the parent (such as mother's age and education).25, 30 According to the selection hypothesis24 parents» own
characteristics may affect their ability to maintain a
stable income or a
stable and committed partnership, and impact on the
characteristics of their children, either through the environment in the home, through genetic transmission, or more likely the combination of both.