Children’s psychological well-being and problem behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic: An online study during the lockdown period in Germany

Abstract

As COVID-19 dramatically changes human social life, restrictive lockdown periods to slow the spread of the virus have been suggested to particularly affect the psychological well-being of children and their families. To capture lockdown-related effects on a large scale, the present study used an online questionnaire completed by parents of 3-10-year-olds during the most restrictive lockdown period in Germany thus far (N = 2,672). Parents reported their stress level, their child’s well-being, and their child’s problem behaviors among others. Results showed that most parents and children experienced lockdown-related stress. Concerning children, not being able to meet with friends and family members outside the household emerged as the primary challenge. Older children (7–10 years) evidenced more emotional symptoms as well as less conduct problems and hyperactivity than younger children (3–6 years). Children’s own and their parents’ stress level, the degree to which children missed other children, and children’s age all showed to be negatively related to children’s general life satisfaction. Single parenthood and being an only child were associated with higher levels of child problems. Taken together, these findings shed light on the psychological well-being of children and their families during governmental lockdown measures, as well as on relations between children’s coping and demographic background. They have implications for possible avenues for interventions, inter alia by encouraging policies that facilitate the maintenance of social relationships and focus particularly on children from single parent families, on only children as well as on families in challenging housing situations.

Lifestyle Changes, Mental Health, and Health-related Quality of Life in Children Aged 6-7 Years Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Germany

“…Although expected and in contrast to previous results, 2,12,17,18 the adverse consequences found do not largely differ according to socioeconomic status (SES): educational attainment of the mother was (only) signi cantly associated with emotional and behavioral di culties in boys (data not shown). A previous nationwide study from Germany revealed that children from families with low SES, limited living space, or migration background have been more affected by the pandemic.…”

Families’ Worries during the First and Second COVID-19 Wave in Germany: Longitudinal Study in Two Population-Based Cohorts

“…Families were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated lockdown measures on several levels: they had to reorganize many aspects of everyday life, e.g., compensating restricted childcare, which had an impact on working conditions. Children themselves were confronted with the interruption of their familiar, daily routines and their social life [ 1 ], resulting in decreased health-related quality of life and more mental health problems [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Established support services for families were restricted, making access and utilization more difficult [ 5 ].…”

Parenting Model on Children's Learning Activities at Home during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Study

“…Parenting models (approaches, methods, strategies) for children greatly affect the cognitive, mental, and social development of children. Research conducted by Christner, et al [16] revealed that many children experience stress when they study at home, not only because they cannot meet and play with their friends at school, but also because parents have not found the best way to guide them to learn. Therefore, democratic parenting can certainly reduce the level of stress experienced by children at home.…”