ABSTRACT
Understanding factors that are related to engagement in health behaviors during a health emergency is critical. Positive psychology interventions have been shown to increase positive emotion toward others and the self;enhancing feelings of self-worth might, in turn, increase adherence to health behaviors. This may be particularly important for parents of young children who are reported as having significant levels of stress and anxiety during the pandemic. Herein, we investigated the long-term effects of a personal savoring control versus a relational savoring intervention on mothers' adherence to health recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mothers (N = 61) who participated in the intervention and had agreed to continue to be contacted for further participation reported their adherence to COVID-19-related health recommendations through an online survey after the onset of the pandemic. We also assessed basic demographics, perceived threat of the pandemic, and general anxiety. As expected, independent of a host of demographic variables, perceived threat, and anxiety, mothers who had participated in the relational savoring intervention also demonstrated higher levels of adherence to COVID-19-related health recommendations. Even years after the initial intervention, relational savoring practices seem to enhance the use of appropriate health behaviors during the pandemic. There are various explanations for this, and further investigation is needed to pinpoint how relational savoring affects mechanisms that underlie positive engagement with health recommendations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement Public Significance Statement Positive psychology interventions can influence adherence to recommendations. Promoting connection and community with close ones may be a strategy to promote engagement with health behaviors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
Few studies have used longitudinal approaches to consider the cumulative impact of COVID-19-related stressors (CRSs) on the psychological adjustment of mothers and children. In the current study, we tracked changes in maternal depressive symptoms and children?s behavioral problems from approximately 2 years before the pandemic (T1) to May through August 2020 (T2). Second, we explored maternal hair cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone as predictors of change in maternal depressive symptoms. Mothers (N = 120) reported on maternal and child psychological adjustment at both time points. Hair hormone data were collected in the lab at T1. Results suggest increases in children?s internalizing symptoms from T1 to T2 and that higher levels of CRSs were associated with increased maternal depressive symptoms. Maternal and child adjustment were correlated. Maternal hair cortisol, but not dehydroepiandrosterone, was associated with significant increases in depressive symptoms. Findings underscore the importance of considering the family system and cumulative risk exposure on maternal and child mental health.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted millions of lives, with life stress and daily hassles having a potential impact on parent mental health. This study examined whether preventive health behaviors (e.g. social distancing, mask wearing) and social support relate to parent mental health. In a cross-sectional analysis of parents (N = 176, May-September 2020), life events and daily hassles were positively associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms. Preventive health behaviors moderated the association between daily hassles and depressive symptoms. Preventive health behaviors may protect those with high levels of daily hassles from moderate levels of depression.