A study found that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted families' well-being and functioning. Parents reported higher rates of depression and lower quality of co-parenting. Children displayed more externalizing behaviors like aggression as well as internalizing behaviors such as anxiety and depression. A family therapy center notes that therapy can help families strengthen relationships by teaching skills like mindfulness, validation, and emotion regulation. It also prevents future conflicts and improves family communication.

1. The Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Health
5 Sylvan Road South, Westport, Connecticut, 06880, United States
(888) 745-3372
Impact of COVID-19 On
Families’ Well-being and
Functioning

2. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in early 2020, many families were forced to isolate themselves
together at home. A year later, new studies have shown that this period has had detrimental effects
on most families’ well-being and functioning.
A study spearheaded by Pennsylvania State researchers found that, during the onset of the
pandemic, there was an increase in “internalizing” behaviors like anxiety and depression and
“externalizing” behaviors such as aggression and disruptiveness among children.
Even parents were affected, as most involved in the study reported higher levels of depression and
decreased co-parenting quality with their partners.
Results of the Study
For the study, 129 families, consisting of 122 mothers, 84 fathers, and an average of 2.3 children per
family, were asked to participate. The parents completed an online questionnaire on their depressive
symptoms, anxiety, relationship quality with their parenting partner, and the externalizing and
internalizing problems they have observed in their children.

3. The survey showed that parents were 2.4 times more likely to display clinical depression after the
COVID-19 pandemic began than before. The effects of the pandemic were equally concerning among
children, with parents 2.5 times more likely to report externalizing problems in their children. They
were also 4 times more likely to report internalizing behaviors. The levels for both externalizing and
internalizing problems were high enough that professional intervention might have been necessary.
Amplifying the Need for Family Therapy
According to the Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Health, a Westport-based clinic specializing in
family counseling, therapy provides families with tools to reconnect and establish better
relationships.
Family therapy teaches parents and their children mindfulness, validation, self-regulation, and the
healthy expression of emotions. These skills are essential in addressing each family member’s issues
while taking their family structure into consideration. Meanwhile, post-divorce therapy provides
families with structure, support, and resources to manage the emotional impact of divorce,
Additionally, the center notes that psychotherapy is helpful for preventing future family conflicts and
improving communication among family members in the home.

4. Sources:
http://ccbhtherapy.com/services/post-divorce-recovery/
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210412/Research-reveals-the-impact-of-COVIDe2809019-
pandemic-on-families-well-being-and-functioning.aspx
https://www.pacificoaks.edu/voices/psychology/how-marriage-and-family-therapists-can-help-
during-covid-19/