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

Abstract

Objectives: 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.

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.

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

Conclusion: 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.