A qualitative inquiry of parents' observations of their children's mental health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors

Emily M. Dickinson, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine; Florida International University School of Medicine
Allison C. Meinert, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine;b Psychological Health and Learning Sciences, University of Houston
Katherine L. Zopatti, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine;b Psychological Health and Learning Sciences, University of Houston
Alexandra M. Barth, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine; Psychological Health and Learning Sciences, University of Houston

Date of this Version

12-3-2021

Document Type

Article

Rights

default

Abstract

Given that children and adolescents are at critical periods of development, they may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a descriptive phenomenological approach, 71 parents' observations of their child's mental health difficulties were explored. Parents sought out treatment because their children were experiencing significant distress. Data used were transcribed from baseline questionnaires and therapy summaries. Data analysis revealed three themes: emotion regulation difficulties, hypervigilance, and despair. The search for strategies and tailored interventions to help mitigate the potential harmful and long-term mental health impacts of the pandemic should be at the forefront of research and clinical practice.

Comments

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Recommended Citation

Dickinson, Emily M.; Meinert, Allison C.; Zopatti, Katherine L.; and Barth, Alexandra M., "A qualitative inquiry of parents' observations of their children's mental health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic" (2021). Coronavirus Research at FIU. 40.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/covid-19_research/40