Family Dynamics and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated profound shifts in family routines, relationships and psychological well-being across the globe. Prolonged lockdowns, school closures and economic instability intensified stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms among parents and children. At the same time, many families reported strengthened emotional bonds, increased communication and novel coping strategies. Research has illuminated how pre-existing psychosocial resources, household composition and financial security shaped both risks and resilience. A clearer understanding of these dynamics can inform policies and interventions aimed at bolstering mental health in the face of widespread disruption.
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Family Dynamics and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in family dynamics and mental health during the covid-19 pandemic across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Family cohesion: The emotional bonding and sense of togetherness among family members, influencing collective coping.
Moderated mediation model: A statistical framework in which the indirect effect of an independent variable on an outcome via a mediator varies according to a moderator.
Material hardship: Difficulties meeting basic economic needs, such as food, housing or healthcare, often exacerbating stress and mental health issues.
Adaptive coping strategies: Behaviours and cognitive approaches aimed at managing stressors effectively and maintaining well-being.
References
- Family Cohesion and Stress Consequences Among Chinese College Students During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Moderated Mediation Model. Frontiers in Public Health (2021).
- Factors Associated with COVID-19-Related Stress among Female Primary Caregivers in Vulnerable Families in South Africa. European Journal of Investigation in Health Psychology and Education (2023).
- Family Well‐Being During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: The Risks of Financial Insecurity and Coping. Journal of Research on Adolescence (2022).
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