Child Social Connectedness, Parenting Behaviours, and Resilience in the Post-Pandemic Period

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted family routines worldwide, heightening parental stress and limiting children’s social opportunities. These challenges raised concerns about potential long-term effects on parenting practices, child social connectedness, and mental health. The current mixed-methods study had two main objectives: (1) to examine associations among post-pandemic positive parenting, child social connectedness, meaning mindset, and parent-reported child mental health, and (2) to explore families’ lived experiences of the pandemic and its perceived long-term impacts. Quantitative data were collected from parents of children aged 6 to 12 using measures of parenting, child social connectedness, meaning mindset, and mental health. Analyses tested whether positive parenting predicted child social connectedness and mental health, and whether these associations were mediated by meaning mindset. Qualitative data were obtained by having parents complete open-ended questions at the end of the survey. The data was examined via inductive thematic analysis to identify common themes in pandemic-related experiences. Findings indicated that positive parenting was indirectly associated with child social connectedness and not directly associated with child mental health outcomes. Mediation analyses further suggested that meaning mindset partially explained these relationships, highlighting its role as a resilience factor. Thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed themes of disrupted routines, challenges with resources and support systems, as well as both strains and silver linings in family life, including stronger family bonds. Overall, findings highlight the complicated impact of the pandemic on families, as well as emphasize the importance of strengthening both parenting practices, and parents’ ability to build resilience and foster meaning. Together, these strengths may facilitate families’ adjustment and ability to thrive in the post-pandemic world.