'It Broke Him and Us': Examining the Extent and Impact of Aggression Towards Family/Caregivers in Childhood and Adolescence During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada Based on Insights from Adoptive and Customary Caregivers.

Abstract

Research on aggression towards family/caregivers in childhood and adolescence (AFCCA) is still emerging, particularly within the Canadian context. To better understand this behaviour, we examined potential changes in the severity and frequency of different AFCCA types as well as in caregiver-child relationships and disruptions to families' lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this convergent/parallel mixed-method research study, 168 Canadian caregivers living with a young person who exhibited AFCCA completed an online survey that contained self-report questionnaires and open-ended questions. The sample consisted primarily of adoptive mothers. Descriptive and hybrid thematic analyses indicated that around half the sample reported an increase in the severity (verbal 43.9%, threats 39.8%, emotional/psychological 49.2%, physical 44.3%) and frequency (verbal 51.2%, threats 47.8%, emotional/psychological 54.6%, physical 48.3%) of most AFCCA types. The quality of the caregiver-child relationship also worsened significantly after the pandemic (t[115] = 3.5, p = .001). Qualitative analyses supported this finding. While there was no statistically significant difference in AFCCA-related disruptions to families' lives during the pandemic, thematic analyses revealed increased caregiver disruptions to both personal aspects (e.g. self-care practices, alcohol/substance use) and professional obligations (e.g. missed work). This study underscores the need for sustained and accessible (online and in-person) supports that are grounded in intersectionality, responsive to families' unique needs and sensitive to young people's experiences with past adversity.