Psychological Distress and Coping Strategies among Parents of School Going Children During Covid-19

Abstract

During COVID-19 pandemic parents faced problems related to change in income, employment and childcare needs, causing numerous psychological and socioeconomic stressors commonly associated with increased parental mental health needs. Aims: To assess the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on psychological distress and different coping strategies among parents of school going children. Methodology: A sample of 30 parents was selected through purposive sampling within age range of 25-50 years. GHQ-28, DASS-21 and Brief Cope-28 were administered and parents responded to 5 open ended questions regarding their psychological distress and coping strategies during COVID-19. SPSS and thematic analysis were used for data analysis. Result: Parents experienced more anxiety, stress and depression post-COVID and particularly experienced depression more than anxiety and stress. There was significant difference in the coping strategies adopted by the parents post-COVID. Through thematic analysis 17 themes mainly related to financial crisis, insecure future, stress etc. were found. Conclusion: the present study corroborates that psychological distress was present among parents during COVID-19 which needs to be addressed. There was difference in coping strategies adopted by parents post-COVID. Also, there was a negative impact of COVID-19 on children’s daily functioning and mental health which needs to be further assessed and appropriate interventions could be provided.