Exploring the role of parental suppression of emotion as moderator in the relationship between parent Covid-19 fears and child Covid-19 fears

Scientific background. In 2019, the first cases of the coronavirus (Covid-19) were reported. As a consequence of the new reality, the virus induced a plethora of fears. Fear is an adaptive response in the presence of danger, however, if presented in a continuous and uncertain fashion, it may become chronic and maladaptive. Parents can influence children’s emotional responses via direct and subtle, verbal and non – verbal behaviours. Particularly, parental suppression of emotion can dampen the development of effective coping responses in children. Hypotheses. We expected parental fear to be positively correlated with child fear, and parental suppression of emotion to increase the strength of the relationship between parental Covid-19 fears and child Covid-19 fears. Methods. This study is a cross-sectional design set out to measure fears of Covid-19 and parental suppression of emotion. Parents (N = 219; 24.2% male) and their 8- to 18-year-old children (N = 195; 42.1% male) were...Show moreScientific background. In 2019, the first cases of the coronavirus (Covid-19) were reported. As a consequence of the new reality, the virus induced a plethora of fears. Fear is an adaptive response in the presence of danger, however, if presented in a continuous and uncertain fashion, it may become chronic and maladaptive. Parents can influence children’s emotional responses via direct and subtle, verbal and non – verbal behaviours. Particularly, parental suppression of emotion can dampen the development of effective coping responses in children. Hypotheses. We expected parental fear to be positively correlated with child fear, and parental suppression of emotion to increase the strength of the relationship between parental Covid-19 fears and child Covid-19 fears. Methods. This study is a cross-sectional design set out to measure fears of Covid-19 and parental suppression of emotion. Parents (N = 219; 24.2% male) and their 8- to 18-year-old children (N = 195; 42.1% male) were recruited. Statistical analyses. A multiple regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between parental Covid-19 fears and child covid-19 fears, and the moderating effect of parental suppression of emotion. Results. Parental Covid-19 fears is significantly associated with child Covid-19 fears, however parental suppression of emotion has no significant effect on the strength of this relationship. Conclusion. Parents’ abilities to efficiently manage their fears are especially crucial during crisis periods such as the Covid-19 pandemic, as this can have a correlating effect on their children’s Covid-19 fears.Show less

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Exploring the role of parental suppression of emotion as moderator in the relationship between parent Covid-19 fears and child Covid-19 fears