Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2025
07:01
Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children
Published on: March 1, 2019
7.9K
Family functioning and child internalizing and externalizing problems: A 16-wave longitudinal study during the
Hyanghee Lee1, Gregory M Fosco2,3, Mark E Feinberg2
1Department of Educational Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA.
Child Development
|October 15, 2024
Summary
Young children
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Family Studies
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted family dynamics and child mental health.
- Understanding mental health trajectories and risk factors in early childhood during crises is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine young children's mental health trajectories during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To investigate the association between family functioning and child mental health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study design tracking children's mental health from May 2020 to April 2021.
- Parent-reported data from 204 families on child internalizing/externalizing problems and family functioning (cohesion, conflict, chaos, routines).
Main Results:
- Children's internalizing problems initially decreased then stabilized; externalizing problems remained unchanged.
- Family conflict and chaos were independently linked to both internalizing and externalizing problems.
- Family conflict was identified as a significant risk factor when all family factors were considered together.
Conclusions:
- Family conflict is a key factor influencing child mental health during the pandemic.
- Interventions targeting family conflict may be essential for supporting children's mental well-being.
- Further research should explore protective factors within family functioning.
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