Effects of COVID-19 and the Pandemic Response on Families, Caregivers, and Children

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated community efforts to reduce transmission have led to significant social distancing practices, widespread school and child care closures, and substantial employment disruption or transitions to remote work – impacting millions of families across the US and around the world. As families cope with these unprecedented challenges caregivers face significant stress, which may result in adverse effects on child health and wellbeing. The three presentations on this panel examine the ways in which caregivers, children, and families have been affected by the pandemic and the public response drawing on unique research studies responding to this public health crisis. Paper 1 examines family stress mechanisms linking household exposure to pandemic-related stressors with parents’ use of neglectful or harsh parenting practices in a large sample of households from multiple states in the northeastern US. Paper 2 examines the effects of the pandemic on caregiver mental health and well-being among caregivers of children with and without developmental disabilities. Paper 3 examines effects of family vulnerabilities and disruption due to the pandemic with child maladjustment among a sample of households already experiencing family and parenting challenges prior to the onset of COVID-19 in a longitudinal cohort study underway prior to the pandemic. A discussant will address key findings of these studies and explore implications for responding to the needs of children and families at-risk for adverse outcomes in the face of public health crises.

Sub Unit

• Solicited Content: COVID-19 Related

Chair

• Christian M. Connell, Pennsylvania State University, University Park

Discussant

• Robert P. Franks, Judge Baker Children's Center

Individual Presentations

• Caregiver Experiences of COVID-19-related Stressors and Use of Neglectful or Harsh Parenting Practices - Presenting Author: Christian M. Connell, Pennsylvania State University, University Park; Non-Presenting Author: Michael J Strambler, Yale School of Medicine

• Impact of COVID-19 on Primary Caregivers of Children with and without Developmental Disabilities - Non-Presenting Author: Sandra M. Chafouleas, University of Connecticut; Presenting Author: Emily A. Iovino, University of Connecticut

• Evaluating Family Vulnerability and Disruption during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Child Adjustment - Presenting Author: Gregory M Fosco, Pennsylvania State University, University Park; Non-Presenting Author: Carlie Sloan, Pennsylvania State University, University Park; Non-Presenting Author: Shichen Fang, Concordia University; Non-Presenting Author: Mark E. Feinberg, Pennsylvania State University, University Park