Who suffered most? Parental stress and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany

Objective: This study examines gender and socioeconomic inequalities in parental psychological wellbeing (parenting stress and psychological distress) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Background: The dramatic shift of childcare and schooling responsibility from formal institutions to private households during the pandemic has put families under enormous stress and raised concerns about caregivers' health and wellbeing. Despite the overwhelming media attention to families’ wellbeing, to date limited research has examined parenting stress and parental psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Germany. Method: We analyzed four waves of panel data (N= 1,771) from an opt-in online survey, which was conducted between March 2020 and April 2021. Multivariable OLS regressions were used to estimate variations in the pandemic's effects on parenting stress and psychological distress by various demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Results: Overall, levels of parenting stress and psychological distress increased during the pandemic. During the first and third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, mothers, parents with children younger than 11 years, parents with two or more children, parents working from home as well as parents with financial insecurity experienced higher parenting stress than other sociodemographic groups. Moreover, women, respondents with lower incomes, single parents, and parents with younger children experienced higher levels of psychological distress than other groups. Conclusion: Gender and socioeconomic inequalities in parents' psychological wellbeing increased among the study participants during the pandemic.

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Parenting stress, social support, self-compassion, and parenting practices among mothers of children with ASD and ADHD

Psikohumaniora Jurnal Penelitian Psikologi ◽

10.21580/pjpp.v6i1.6681 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 47-60

Author(s):

Yulina Eva Riany ◽

Ayu Ihsana

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Parenting Stress ◽

Parental Stress ◽

Parenting Practices ◽

Online Survey ◽

Children With Adhd ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Children With Asd ◽

Study Results ◽

Significant Difference

This study aimed to analyze the differences in parenting stress, perceptions of social support, self-compassion, and parenting practices between mothers of children with ASD and children with ADHD. Using the parental stress scale, the multidimensional scale of perceived social support, self-compassion scale, and parent construct, this study also aimed to analyze how the observed variables predicted the parenting practices among mothers of children with ASD and mothers of children with ADHD. An online survey was completed voluntarily by 34 mothers of children with ASD and 31 mothers of children with ADHD. MANOVA and regression analyses were conducted to support the hypothesis of the study. Results showed no significant difference in parenting stress, social supports, self-compassion, and parenting practices between the two groups. Parenting stress was revealed as a predictor for negative parenting practices among both groups. This research provides a picture of parenting practice among parents of children with ASD and ADHD in Indonesia, contributing to filling the gap concerning the limited available research in this field.

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Self-reported psychological distress during the COVID-19 outbreak in Nepal: findings from an online survey

BMC Psychology ◽

10.1186/s40359-020-00497-z ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kamal Gautam ◽

Ramesh P. Adhikari ◽

Aman Sen Gupta ◽

Rajan Kumar Shrestha ◽

Pitambar Koirala ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Media ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Online Survey ◽

Family Income ◽

Virus Disease ◽

Psychological Wellbeing ◽

The Past ◽

Psychological Impacts ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background A lower respiratory tract infection caused by novel coronavirus termed as Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) was first identified in China and subsequently took the form of pandemic. Studies on disease outbreak in the past and recent COVID-19 outbreak have demonstrated increased psychological distress and adverse impacts on mental health and psychological wellbeing of people. However, the impact of COVID-19 on psychological wellbeing of people in Nepal hasn't been studied adequately. So, this paper aims to report the findings from a social media survey on psychological impacts of COVID-19 in Nepal. Methods Data were collected through social media from 2082 Nepalese respondents between 23rd April, 2020 and 3rd May, 2020. A total of 2014 respondents who were currently residing in Nepal were included in the analysis. Results The study suggested that half of the respondents suffered from at least one symptom of psychological distress whereas 32% suffered from two or more symptoms of psychological distress such as restlessness, fearfulness, anxiety and worry and sadness in the past 2 weeks preceding the survey date. The findings further suggested that respondents having lower family income, residing in rented room, and participants from province 2 were more likely to suffer from both single and multiple symptoms of psychological distress. Conclusion The study has shown high prevalence of psychological distress amongst the Nepalese respondents following COVID-19 outbreak. Appropriate mental health and psychosocial support response needs to be instituted to adequately respond to psychological impacts of the epidemic.

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Psychological Distress Among People Losing Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Australia

10.1101/2020.05.06.20093773 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Alex Collie ◽

Luke Sheehan ◽

Caryn van Vreden ◽

Genevieve Grant ◽

Peter Whiteford ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Social Interaction ◽

Social Interactions ◽

Job Loss ◽

Online Survey ◽

Work Loss ◽

Occupational Characteristics ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Study Participants ◽

The Relationship

AbstractIntroductionThis study estimated the extent of psychological distress among people losing work during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Australia, and examined associations between distress, nature of work loss and degree of social interaction.MethodsData were from a baseline online survey of an inception cohort recruited in the weeks following the introduction of physical distancing and movement restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Australia. These restrictions resulted in widespread unemployment and working hour reduction. Psychological distress was measured using the Kessler-6 scale. Data on nature of work loss, social interactions, demographic, job and occupational characteristics were also collected. Regression modelling was conducted to determine the relationship between work loss, social interactions and psychological distress, accounting for confounders.ResultsAmong the 551 study participants 31% reported severe psychological distress, 35% in those with job loss and 28% in those still employed but working less. Those who had significantly greater odds of high psychological distress were younger, female, had lost their job and had lower social interactions. The relationship between job loss and distress became non-significant when financial stress, and occupation were included in the regression model, but the protective effect of higher social interactions remained significant.DiscussionThere was a high prevalence of psychological distress in people losing work during the coronavirus pandemic. Age, gender, job loss and social interactions were strongly associated with distress. Interventions that promote social interaction may help to reduce distress during among people losing work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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School's out: parenting stress and screen time use in school-age children during the COVID-19 pandemic

10.31234/osf.io/5guc3 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Diane Seguin ◽

Elizabeth Kuenzel ◽

Jeffrey Bruce Morton ◽

Emma Duerden

Keyword(s):

Parental Involvement ◽

Parenting Stress ◽

Parenting Styles ◽

Time Use ◽

Parental Stress ◽

Screen Time ◽

Online Survey ◽

Linear Models ◽

Parent Stress ◽

School Age Children

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of children abruptly moved to online schooling, which required high levels of parental involvement. Family routines were disrupted, potentially increasing parental stress, and may be reflected in greater media screen time use in children.Objectives: To determine whether 1) parenting styles and 2) parenting stress were associated with children’s screen time use during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period.Methods: Parents (>18 years of age) were recruited to complete an online survey regarding changes in their children’s (6-12 years) screen time use and daily activities before and during the pandemic. Stress and parental involvement were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Alabama Parenting Questionnaires respectively. General linear models assessed whether parenting style and parent stress was associated with children’s screen time during the pandemic, adjusting for demographic variables and daily activities.Results: 104 parents were enrolled, and 78 (75%) parents completed the surveys. Children’s screen time (e.g., watching television and playing video games) increased significantly, from 2.6 hours to 5.8 hours a day (p=.001) during pandemic-related school closures. Smaller changes in children’s screen time use were significantly associated with more parental involvement (p=.017). Parent stress (p=.018) significantly predicted children’s screen time use. Lower household income was associated with increased hours of screen time in both models (both, p<.05).Conclusions: Children’s screen time nearly doubled during the initial months of the pandemic. Parent stress and parenting styles may be modifiable risk factors to promote children’s wellbeing during the ongoing pandemic.

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Suicidal Ideation Among Heroin-Abusing Mothers in Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000429 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 37 (6) ◽

pp. 461-464 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Orly Sarid ◽

Richard Isralowitz ◽

Mor Yehudai ◽

Alexander Reznik

Keyword(s):

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Parenting Stress ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Parental Stress ◽

Methadone Maintenance Treatment ◽

Maintenance Treatment ◽

Suicide Ideation ◽

Methadone Maintenance ◽

Skills Training ◽

Study Participants

Abstract. Background: There is a dearth of information about mothers in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), their parental stress, and suicidal ideation. Aim: To evaluate parenting stress and suicidal ideation among heroin-dependent mothers in MMT. Method: The study was conducted at an MMT center. Inclusion criteria were mothers with at least one child between 6–12 years of age. Mothers (n = 41) were interviewed about their background characteristics, drug use, parenting stress, and suicide ideation. Results: The mothers' median age was 44 (27–63 years), 35% were single, 20% married or with a partner, 45% separated or divorced, 83% were Jewish, and about one-third completed elementary school only. Among the study participants, 52% reported ever thinking about suicide, 28% reported past-year ideation, and 15% indicated they were likely to complete suicide someday. Mothers who have used heroin and cannabis reported high levels of parenting stress. Mothers with high parenting stress levels were more likely to report suicidal ideation. Country of origin status did not differentiate those interviewed. Conclusion: This study provides insight into a hard-to-reach population of mothers needing treatment, parental skills training, and mental stress reduction. Further research is needed to generalize the findings for treatment, education, and training purposes.

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The Mediating Role of Resilience and Extraversion on Psychological Distress and Loneliness Among the General Population of Tyrol, Austria Between the First and the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.766261 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Anna Chernova ◽

Beatrice Frajo-Apor ◽

Silvia Pardeller ◽

Franziska Tutzer ◽

Barbara Plattner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Online Survey ◽

Age Groups ◽

Protective Role ◽

Federal State ◽

Study Participants ◽

The Relationship ◽

Second Wave

Background: During the first 3 weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal state of Tyrol, Austria had one of the strictest curfews in Austria and worldwide. The aim of the current study was to investigate the assumingly protective role of resilience and extraversion and its impact on mental health following such an uncertain and unpredictable situation.Methods: Between the first and the second wave of the pandemic, adult residents of Tyrol were invited to participate in an online survey. Next to the assessment of sociodemographic and COVID-19-related variables the Brief-Symptom-Checklist, the Three-Item Loneliness Scale, the Resilience Scaled, and the Big Five Inventory were used to assess psychological distress, loneliness, resilience, and extraversion. Mediation analysis was used to investigate the role of resilience and extraversion in the context of age-, sex-, and partnership- related differences in psychological distress and loneliness.Results: One hundred and forty-five participants took part in the survey (68.2% female). Overall, psychological distress and severe loneliness were more often detected in women and singles. They also were less resilient, while men and singles presented with a lower degree of extraversion. Study participants under the age of 30 experienced severe loneliness more frequently than older people, whereas psychological distress, resilience, and extraversion were comparable between age groups. Resilience significantly mediated the relationship between both study participants' sex and partnership situation on one hand and psychological distress and severe loneliness on the other. In addition, extraversion significantly mediated the relationship between participants' partnership situation and psychological distress.Discussion: Our findings suggest that women, singles, and young people may be particularly affected by the measures and sequelae of the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions promoting resilience and extraversion among these groups are urgently needed to foster mental health. Ideally, they can be utilized at home in case of renewed mobility restrictions or quarantine in the future.

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The measurement of psychological wellbeing and its relationship to psychological distress

PsycEXTRA Dataset ◽

10.1037/e539002013-148 ◽

2010 ◽

Author(s):

Helen Winefield ◽

Tiffany Gill ◽

Anne Taylor ◽

Carmen Koster

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Psychological Wellbeing

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Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 During the First Nationwide Lockdown in Vietnam: Web-Based, Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.24776 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Khanh Ngoc Cong Duong ◽

Tien Nguyen Le Bao ◽

Phuong Thi Lan Nguyen ◽

Thanh Vo Van ◽

Toi Phung Lam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

General Population ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Survey Study ◽

Limited Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Event Scale ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND The first nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic was implemented in Vietnam from April 1 to 15, 2020. Nevertheless, there has been limited information on the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological health of the public. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychological issues and identify the factors associated with the psychological impact of COVID-19 during the first nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. METHODS We employed a cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling. A self-administered, online survey was used to collect data and assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants from April 10 to 15, 2020. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were utilized to assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants during social distancing due to COVID-19. Associations across factors were explored using regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 1385 respondents completed the survey. Of this, 35.9% (n=497) experienced psychological distress, as well as depression (n=325, 23.5%), anxiety (n=195, 14.1%), and stress (n=309, 22.3%). Respondents who evaluated their physical health as average had a higher IES-R score (beta coefficient [B]=9.16, 95% CI 6.43 to 11.89), as well as higher depression (B=5.85, 95% CI 4.49 to 7.21), anxiety (B=3.64, 95% CI 2.64 to 4.63), and stress (B=5.19, 95% CI 3.83 to 6.56) scores for DASS-21 than those who rated their health as good or very good. Those who self-reported their health as bad or very bad experienced more severe depression (B=9.57, 95% CI 4.54 to 14.59), anxiety (B=7.24, 95% CI 3.55 to 10.9), and stress (B=10.60, 95% CI 5.56 to 15.65). Unemployment was more likely to be associated with depression (B=3.34, 95% CI 1.68 to 5.01) and stress (B=2.34, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.85). Regarding worries about COVID-19, more than half (n=755, 54.5%) expressed concern for their children aged <18 years, which increased their IES-R score (B=7.81, 95% CI 4.98 to 10.64) and DASS-21 stress score (B=1.75, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.24). The majority of respondents (n=1335, 96.4%) were confident about their doctor’s expertise in terms of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, which was positively associated with less distress caused by the outbreak (B=–7.84, 95% CI –14.58 to –1.11). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the effect of COVID-19 on mental health during the nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. The study provides useful evidence for policy decision makers to develop and implement interventions to mitigate these impacts. CLINICALTRIAL

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Emotional Bonding and Sexual Activity During COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross-National Pilot Study

Journal of Psychosexual Health ◽

10.1177/26318318211027482 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 263183182110274

Author(s):

Deblina Roy ◽

Sujita Kumar Kar ◽

SM Yasir Arafat ◽

Pawan Sharma ◽

Russell Kabir

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Sexual Relationships ◽

Sexually Active ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Emotional Bonding ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean ◽

Study Participants

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures have affected the sexuality and emotional bonding among the couple across the world. Objectives: We aimed to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on the married people’s emotional bonding and sexual relationships in 3 south Asian counties (Bangladesh, India, and Nepal). Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Bangladesh, India, and Nepal residents from April 3 to April 15, 2020. The survey was designed in English. The participants were selected through convenience sampling technique, the link of the online questionnaire was shared with the participants. Only participants older than 18 years and above, married, and living with their spouses were included in the study. Results: A total number of 120 respondents were included finally for analysis from the participating countries (India, Nepal, and Bangladesh). The mean age of the participants was 35.42 (±5.73) years; the majority were males under the age of 40 years and had completed postgraduation as their qualification. Among the study participants, more than half (53.8%) of the women reported being sexually active during the lockdown, whereas 41% of the men reported being sexually active. Among the sexually active participants, most women (57.7%) reported that they perceived positive emotional bonding with their partners. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference observed when compared with men. There are variations in responses. However, no significant association was identified. Conclusion: There are a few insights from the study, that is, there was no significant difference found in almost 3 countries in emotional intimacy. There had been a trend that there is improved emotional bonding with their partners, although no significant difference was observed.

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Psychological distress during COVID-19 pandemic in low-income and middle-income countries: a cross-sectional study of older persons in Thailand

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047650 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. e047650

Author(s):

Wiraporn Pothisiri ◽

Paolo Miguel Manalang Vicerra

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Low Income ◽

Older Persons ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Ageing Society ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Middle Income ◽

The Impact

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 situation in Thailand was controlled with various social measures. Much of the information covered in the media and in studies focused on the public health and economic aspects of the pandemic. This study aimed to explore the psychological well-being of older people, which is important especially in an ageing society categorised as low income or middle income due to the limits of economic and healthcare resources.SettingThe impact of COVID-19 on older persons in Thailand, an online survey, taken across nine provinces within the five regions of the country.ParticipantsInformation was collected from 1230 adults aged at least 60 years old.If an older person was illiterate, unable to access the internet or had a disability preventing them from responding to the survey, an intermediary residing in the community conducted the survey interview.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe analysis focused on the worries of older adults and the factors associated with psychological distress experienced during the pandemic using logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe majority of people aged at least 60 years old experienced psychological distress during COVID-19. Employment loss (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.38), inadequate income (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.44) and debt incursion (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.57 to 4.80) were detrimental to psychological well-being. The negative changes in the perception of their health status (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.99) and decreased life satisfaction (OR 1.49, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.87) also weighed on older Thais. The protective factors for psychological well-being were residing in rural areas (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.61) and being married (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.01).ConclusionObserving the concerns of the older population is important for introducing policies that can alleviate their precarious financial and health statuses.

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