This working paper explores how risks associated with caregiver mental health – proxied through household stressors such as food insecurity, social support, and functional challenges – relate to early learning outcomes in South Africa.
Children’s early learning outcomes at ages 4–5 are most strongly associated with structural socioeconomic conditions rather than caregiver mental health risk factors alone. Higher household asset levels, older age, and being female are associated with better outcomes, while boys and children of employed caregivers show lower scores. Proxy indicators of caregiver mental health, such as food insecurity and perceived support, are not independently associated with learning outcomes once broader socioeconomic factors are considered.
In a context of persistent inequality and increasing attention to caregiver wellbeing, these findings highlight that improving early learning outcomes requires addressing structural conditions – particularly poverty and household resources – alongside caregiver support.
Policymakers, programme designers, and organisations working in early learning, social protection, and caregiver support in low-resource settings.
Authors: Johanna Beukes, Anathi Kwinana
Title: The Relationship Between Risks to Caregiver Mental Health and Child Learning Outcomes: An Analysis Using Thrive by Five Index Data
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