In Their Own Words: Qualitative Study of Parenting During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Family Studies
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted family dynamics and caregiver well-being.
• The Strengthening Families (SF) Approach and Protective Factors Framework offer a model for understanding family strengths and challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore parental and caregiver experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify challenges faced and coping mechanisms utilized, framed by the SF Approach's five factors.

Main Methods:

• A national survey (Family Snapshot Survey) of 9000 parents was conducted in three waves.
• Qualitative thematic analysis of open-ended responses from caregivers of children aged 0-5 years was performed.
• Analysis was guided by the SF Approach and Protective Factors Framework.

Main Results:

• The five SF factors were identified in 770 responses, often in combination, highlighting their interconnectedness.
• Lack of concrete support emerged as the most prevalent challenge reported by caregivers.
• Parental resilience was identified as the most frequent source of support.

Conclusions:

• Access to concrete support significantly influenced family strengths and challenges during the pandemic.
• Interactions between protective factors contributed to family safety, stability, and positive experiences.
• Future policy should prioritize integrated programs that enhance access to multiple protective factors, especially concrete support.