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. 2023 May 5:11:1158698.
doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1158698. eCollection 2023.

Parent-child relationships and psychological distress: survey of parents from low-income families after the COVID-19 pandemic

Li Ping Wong  1 , Haridah Alias  1 , Nik Daliana Nik Farid  2 , Sofia Md Yusop  3 , Zuhrah Musa  3 , Zhijian Hu  4 , Yulan Lin  4
Affiliations

Parent-child relationships and psychological distress: survey of parents from low-income families after the COVID-19 pandemic

Li Ping Wong et al. Front Public Health. .

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to shed light on parent-child relationships and the psychological health of parents from low-income families after the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 553 parents of children aged 13-24 years in low-income community settings. The Parent-Child Conflict scale of the Parental Environment Questionnaire (PEQ) was used to measure parent-child conflict. Psychological distress was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale short form (DASS-21).

Results: The study revealed a low level of parent-child conflict in the overall study population, with a median PEQ of 48.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 36 to 48). Concerning demographics, married parents reported a likelihood of having a higher level of parent-child conflict over 3 times higher than single parents (OR = 3.18 95%, CI 1.30-7.75). More parent-child conflicts were also found in parents aged 60-72 years old who were unemployed, retired, or housewives and from lower-income groups. In regard to lifestyle factors, a higher level of physical activity and having enough sleep were associated with lower levels of parent-child conflict. Only approximately 1% of the participants reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress.

Discussion: Low risk exists for parent-child conflict and psychological sequelae following the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, which could be due to various support measures implemented by the government. Vulnerable parents identified as being at risk of parent-child conflict warrant attention in future advocacy efforts.

Keywords: B40; DASS-21; PEQ; post pandemic; youth-parent conflict.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Responses for items in parental environment questionnaire (PEQ).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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