COVID-19 Life Events Spill-Over on Family Functioning and Adolescent Adjustment

Abstract

In this longitudinal study, we examined parent and youth perceptions of how life events, both positive and negative, associated with the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in changes in family functioning as well as youth functioning. We tested both direct effects of parent- and youth-reported negative and positive events as well as indirect or spillover effects that have their effects on parent functioning and marital relationships. Families (n=101 parent-youth dyads, 80% European American, 48% boys, and 87% mothers) completed surveys during the pandemic (May to July 2020) and 1.5 years prior. We conducted multivariate path analyses predicting residualized change in family and youth functioning. According to child-report of family functioning, open family communication, parent-child relationship quality and family satisfaction all decreased during this time, although no changes were found in parent-report of family functioning. Several forms of parent-reported negative life events and child-reports of school-related stress during the pandemic predicted changes in family functioning. Moreover, positive life events predicted child reports of family functioning directly and evidence for spill-over effects of parent-reported positive life events on family functioning were also found. In addition, the receipt of social support by parents during the pandemic protected against decrements in family functioning and, indirectly, increases in child symptomatology. School-related stress also predicted increases in child-reported symptomatology. Moreover, several aspects of family functioning pre-pandemic impacted the extent to which parents and children experienced both positive and negative life events during the pandemic. The current findings thus shed light on how experiences of the pandemic are linked with family functioning and have implications for how to support families during this time.

Family Dysfunction and Depressive Tendencies in Adolescents

“…Significant life changes in a short period of time has made the Covid-19 outbreak a stressor that threatens individual well-being. Research conducted about family function and adolescent adjustment during the pandemic, discovered that acceptance and support from families, especially parents, can help reduce symptoms of stress experienced by children [7].…”

Impact of COVID‐19 on adolescent and emerging adult brain tumor survivors and their parents

“…Parents may have adjusted their expectations and ratings of family functioning due to the drastic changes in family life related to the pandemic. 3 Additionally, the CEFIS did not assess all the potential impacts of COVID-19 (e.g., not seeing close friends as often) or the length of disruptions.…”

“…Interestingly, the number of disruptions due to COVID‐19 were not associated with the pandemic's impact on the family (i.e., the impact of COVID on parenting, parental mental and physical health, and family functioning). Parents may have adjusted their expectations and ratings of family functioning due to the drastic changes in family life related to the pandemic 3 . Additionally, the CEFIS did not assess all the potential impacts of COVID‐19 (e.g., not seeing close friends as often) or the length of disruptions.…”

“…2 A recent U.S. study found that family communication, relationship quality, and satisfaction decreased due to the pandemic. 3 Studies have documented increases in child mental health symptoms and distress, even though children are less vulnerable to the virus itself. In Italy and Spain, parents reported increased screen time, less physical activity, and more sleep, and a majority reported changes in their children's behavior and emotional state.…”

“…A recent U.S. study found that family communication, relationship quality, and satisfaction decreased due to the pandemic 3 . Studies have documented increases in child mental health symptoms and distress, even though children are less vulnerable to the virus itself.…”