Parents and caregivers across the United States are facing unprecedented challenges, role shifts, and hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic that may negatively impact their parenting and their relationships with their children. Emerging research shows that parents and caregivers are experiencing more significant increases in stress during the pandemic than non-parents. For parents with unresolved histories of adversity and trauma—resulting from experiences such as abuse, assault, or domestic violence—the risks associated with pandemic-related stress may be further compounded.
To promote positive family adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic, policymakers should increase targeted supports, services, and policies for parents and caregivers with trauma histories. This brief includes information on the impact of COVID-19 on parents and caregivers, particularly those with trauma histories; outlines resiliency factors for this population; and provides guidance for policymakers, providers and agencies, and families on supporting parents and caregivers with trauma histories during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
For parents and caregivers with a history of trauma, the compounding effect of pandemic- and trauma-related stress may further impact parent-child relationships and families’ well-being. Research shows that parents and caregivers with unresolved trauma-related stress may have difficulty responding consistently to their children and using positive parenting practices. During the pandemic, parents and caregivers with trauma histories may experience increased trauma and loss reminders, which can affect their emotional regulation, particularly when social contact is limited or fears about contracting COVID-19 are heightened. Emerging research shows that elevated parental stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with increased violence at home, harsher parenting, and increased child abuse potential.
To read more of the Child Trends Brief, authored by Rebecca Vivrette, please click here.
Comments (0)