Managing Children's Fears during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Strategies Adopted by Italian Caregivers.

Content Provider	Europe PMC
Author	Landoni, Marta Silverio, Sergio A. Ionio, Chiara Giordano, Francesca
Editor	Tchounwou, Paul B. Morelli, Mara Cattelino, Elena Trumello, Carmen
Copyright Year	2022
Abstract	Background Life-threatening events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may generate feelings of insecurity and fear in the affected population, particularly children. Parents' ability to help children cope with negative emotions is essential during challenging periods. The current study aims to analyse the coping strategies adopted by Italian caregivers concerning their children's fears about COVID-19. Method An online survey was administered during the Italian lockdown to 649 parents of at least one child aged 5 to 17 years old. Respondents completed the survey for themselves and their children. In addition, a qualitative content analysis of the data from the open-ended question was conducted (N = 569; 87.9% women; MAge = 45 years). Results Several themes were identified. Firstly, families' primary approach was 'communication and meaning-making'. Secondly, another essential strategy was 'the importance of safe space', enabled by keeping routine in place and creating a loving and caring environment. Thirdly, other factors relevant to managing children's fears were 'adaptation', 'religion', 'a positive attitude', and 'humour and hope'. Finally, the last two strategies significant and valuable for Italian families were 'flexibility' and 'maintaining virtual contacts. Conclusion During the pandemic COVID-19, parents may have used various strategies to protect their children from stress. Future research could investigate single parents' coping strategies explicitly developed during the COVID-19 lockdown.
ISSN	16617827
Journal	International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [Int J Environ Res Public Health]
Volume Number	19
DOI	10.3390/ijerph191811699
PubMed Central reference number	PMC9517545
Issue Number	18
PubMed reference number	36141968
e-ISSN	16604601
Language	English
Publisher	Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI)
Publisher Date	2022-09-16
Access Restriction	Open
Subject Keyword	fear COVID-19 children parents coping strategies family resilience qualitative content analysis
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis Pollution Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health