Maternal Distress Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Changes in Young Children's Behavior

Given the known link between maternal and child mental health, it is likely that children whose mothers experienced more distress because of the COVID-19 pandemic were at greater risk for increased behavior problems. Yet research to date has not tested this hypothesis among families who were hit hardest by the pandemic-those with low incomes and from Black and Hispanic backgrounds. Research is also needed that focuses on young children and uses a longitudinal design.

We harmonized data from 4 cohorts originally designed to study pediatric parenting interventions with underresourced families in 2 US cities. We examined, first, whether maternal distress because of the pandemic was associated with change over the next 1 to 2 years in preschool-aged children's anxiety/depression and aggression, and second, whether such associations were moderated by maternal depression.

Maternal pandemic-related distress predicted a small increase in child aggression but no change in anxiety/depression. There was no moderation by maternal depression.

Among families at risk of the most severe health and financial hardships because of the pandemic, maternal pandemic-related distress was associated with increases in child aggression 1 to 2 years later. Maternal mental health must be made a priority in the future disasters not only in its own right but also because of possible spillover effects on young children.