ABSTRACT
The widespread adoption of digital technology devices has introduced unique challenges to modern parenthood, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when parents relied on digital technology more than ever before. Parents have experienced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, with mothers being especially vulnerable to stress and mental health problems. This study investigates associations between technology distraction of mothers while spending time with their offspring, psychological well-being (stress sensitivity), and parenting behaviors (warmth and indifference) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mothers (n = 246) of adolescents (aged 13-18) who attended public secondary schools in Italy completed an online survey during the fourth wave of COVID-19. The pattern of associations was analyzed via path analysis. COVID-19 pandemic-induced stressors were positively associated with perceived stress, which was positively associated with technology distraction of mothers when spending time with their offspring. Furthermore, maternal technology distraction was positively associated with indifference and negatively associated with warmth. Perceived stress was negatively associated only with warmth. Strategies to mitigate stress during times of crisis and adversity might be useful for potentially vulnerable targets (e.g., mothers living with offspring during the COVID-19 pandemic). Information and prevention actions should be focused on how parents use digital devices while with their offspring. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement This study examined potential correlates of maternal technological distraction while mothers spent time with their offspring during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results indicate that COVID-19-specific effects on life dimensions (e.g., relationships with family members/friends, work performance, family financial situations) were associated with high perceived stress, which was associated with greater technology distraction of mothers when spending time with their offspring. Furthermore, maternal technology distraction was linked to negative parental behaviors (higher indifference and lower warmth), suggesting the relevance of using strategies to mitigate stress in potentially vulnerable persons during times of crisis such as the pandemic context. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
Although social distancing measures could be potentially perceived as thwarting conditions for basic psychological needs and thus causing psychological distress, off(on)line social support could compensate for this frustration by providing psychological proximity. Using self-determination theory, in this study, we aimed (a) to evaluate the change of perception in need satisfaction over time (before and during home-confinement and after a month of lockdown) and (b) to test the short-term longitudinal association between off(on)line social support, basic needs, and anxiety during social distancing measures in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. During the lockdown period decreed by Italy in March 2019 to confront the COVID-19 emergency, 1344 participants completed an online questionnaire and 131 participants completed a follow-up after 1 month. Results showed a decrease in need satisfaction during home confinement and a further reduction after a month of lockdown. Cross-sectional path analysis showed that both online and offline social support were associated with higher need satisfaction, which, in turn, was related to a lower level of anxiety. Longitudinal paths also confirmed the association between need satisfaction and anxiety. Collectively, these results suggest that maintaining psychological proximity despite social distancing measures may provide important avenues for reducing negative outcomes during forced home confinement.
ABSTRACT
The role of shared identity in predicting both ingroup helping behaviour and adherence to protective norms during COVID-19 has been extensively theorized, but remains largely under-investigated. We build upon previous Social Identity research into community resilience by testing the role of pre-existing local community (or 'neighbourhood') identity as a predictor of these outcomes, via the mediator of perceived social support. Community residents in the UK completed a longitudinal online survey four months before lockdown (T1; N = 253), one month before lockdown (T2; N = 217), and two months into lockdown (T3; N = 149). The cross-lagged panel analysis shows that T1 community identification predicts T3 giving and receiving of pandemic-related support, and that these effects occur via the perception of community support at the second time point (while the alternative pathway from T1 support via T2 identification is non-significant). Moreover, we show that T1 community identification also directly predicts lockdown adherence at T3. Our findings point to the pivotal role played by community identity in effective behavioural responses to the pandemic, and the need to support and foster community development to facilitate local community resilience as the crisis continues to unfold.