Factors modifying children’s stress during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan

ABSTRACT

We explored the factors associated with the stress signs among children during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. Although children showed increased stress signs, they also showed increased development of good behavioral traits during this period. Parenting styles were significantly correlated with the psychological and physical stresses experienced by children. While a punitive parenting style had significant correlations with increased psychological and physical stress, a warm and permissive parenting style had positive correlations with increased good behavioral traits and behaviors of children even during the pandemic. Social support enhanced mothers’ self-esteem and positive perceptions among children. These findings provide us with important clues to support families, during the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.

KEYWORDS:

• COVID-19
• stress signs
• parenting styles
• PTSD
• children
• behavioral traits

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Acknowledgement

We are grateful to Profs. Akita, K., Endo, T., Nozawa, S., Sato, K. (The University of Tokyo), Shimazu, A. (Keio University), Kozaki, Y. (Osaka Kyoiku University), Mr. Okubo, K. and Ms.Tang, Y. (The University of Tokyo) for their deliberate help in developing the questions on the parenting styles.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).