The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to families worldwide. The scoping review titled "A Scoping Review on Psychosocial Consequences of Pandemics on Parents and Children: Planning for Today and the Future" provides valuable insights into these challenges and offers guidance for practitioners seeking to enhance their skills in supporting affected families.
The Emotional Ripple Effect: Emotion Contagion in Families
One of the key findings from the review is the concept of "emotion contagion," where emotions experienced by one family member can significantly influence others. Practitioners should be aware of this dynamic and work with families to promote emotional regulation. Encouraging open communication and emotional support among family members can mitigate negative emotional contagion.
Heightened Stress Among Parents
Parents have been found to experience greater levels of psychosocial problems during pandemics compared to adults without children. This stress is often exacerbated by additional responsibilities such as homeschooling and financial strains. Practitioners can assist by providing resources for stress management and connecting parents with social and professional support networks.
The Need for Comprehensive Support Systems
The review highlights the necessity for both informal social support and formal professional assistance during pandemics. For parents of children with special needs, disruptions in routine can lead to increased anxiety and behavioral issues. Practitioners should advocate for accessible mental health services and support systems tailored to these families' unique challenges.
Research Gaps: The Understudied Impact on Children and Youth
While there is some research on the psychosocial impact of pandemics on children, it remains limited. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this field by conducting further studies, particularly focusing on children under 20 years old. Understanding their experiences can inform better support strategies.
Implementing Research-Based Strategies
- Acknowledge Emotion Contagion: Educate families about emotion contagion and provide strategies for managing it.
- Support Parental Well-being: Offer resources for stress management and connect parents with support networks.
- Advocate for Comprehensive Support: Ensure families have access to both social and professional supports, especially those with special needs children.
- Encourage Further Research: Promote studies focusing on the psychosocial impacts on children and youth to fill existing research gaps.
By integrating these insights into their practice, practitioners can better support families navigating the complexities of pandemic-related stressors. To read the original research paper, please follow this link: A Scoping Review on Psychosocial Consequences of Pandemics on Parents and Children: Planning for Today and the Future.
