Poster #40 - COVID-19 Disruption and Marital Functioning: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

• In Event: Poster Session 03

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of married couples, threatening the quality and stability of their relationships and putting them at risk of relationship deterioration (Pietromonaco & Overall, 2021). Indeed, research has highlighted that relationship functioning amongst married parent and non-parent couples has been impacted by COVID-19 disruption (e.g., Pietromonaco & Overall, 2022). This is important to consider, given that interparental relationship functioning is a determinant of children’s social-emotional development (e.g., Goldberg & Carlson, 2014). Thus, it is essential to understand the extent to which COVID-19 disruption is impacting marital relationships due to its potential downstream implications for children’s development (e.g., Nicolaus et al., 2021; Reid & Crisafulli, 1990). Currently, there are inconsistencies across studies examining the association between COVID-19 disruption and marital functioning. Further, it is largely unknown how various individual and family factors may influence the relationship between COVID-19 disruption and marital functioning. Accordingly, a synthesis of this literature is needed to obtain an overall estimate of the strength of the relationship between COVID-19 disruption (e.g., stress) and marital functioning (e.g., conflict) and to examine moderators of this association. Specifically, we are interested in understanding to what extent child (e.g., age), parent (e.g., mental health), family (e.g., income), and methodological (e.g., date of data collection) characteristics moderate the strength of the association between COVID-19 disruption and marital functioning.
Hypotheses: We expect small and significant associations between COVID-19 disruption and marital functioning.
Methods: The aims of the current systematic review and meta-analysis include: (1) to identify the number of studies that have examined COVID-19 disruption and marital functioning; (2) to obtain a precise estimate of the extent to which COVID-19 disruption is related to marital functioning; and (3) to explore moderators that may explain between-study variability in effect sizes (e.g., parent vs. non-parent, number of children, perinatal risk factors, child behaviour problems). Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 statement (PRISMA; Page et al., 2021), a systematic search strategy was executed using MEDLINE (Ovid), APA PsycINFO, ERIC and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses databases. 13910 abstracts were screened, and 366 full-text studies will be assessed for eligibility. Aim 1 is underway, with the abstract review completed and the full-text review beginning in September 2022. Data extraction will be completed in November 2022. Data items will include child, parent, family, methodological, and outcome characteristics. Aims (2) and (3) will be addressed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software (CMA, Version 3.0; Borenstein et al., 2013). Findings will provide novel insights into how COVID-19 disruption is impacting marital relationships and will have implications for practice and policy guidelines focused on supporting optimal child and family wellbeing.

Group Authors

None

Authors

• Alexandra Markwell, York University
  Presenting Author

• Jazzmin Demy, York University

• Maya Koven, York University

• Nicole Racine, University of Ottawa

• Heather P Prime, York University