Can positive reappraisal buffer the relationship between parental verbal threat  information and child fear of COVID-19?

This study aims to contribute to our understanding of fear transmission of the relatively novel stimuli of COVID-19 in the family by examining the relationship between parental verbal threat information about COVID-19 and child fear of COVID-19. Furthermore, we investigate whether positive reappraisal, a cognitive regulation strategy, can buffer this relationship. We explored this through two hypotheses: 1) parental verbal threat information is associated with child fear of COVID-19; and 2) child positive reappraisal weakens the relationship between parental verbal threat information and child fear of COVID-19. In order to do so, we measured parental verbal threat information, child fear and child positive reappraisal through self-reported questionnaires in a cross-sectional sample of Dutch child-parent dyads with children aged 8 to 18 (N=195; Mage=14.23; 113 girls) and their parents (N=193; Mage=47.82; 146 mothers). Results show that the frequency of parent’s threatening statements...Show moreThis study aims to contribute to our understanding of fear transmission of the relatively novel stimuli of COVID-19 in the family by examining the relationship between parental verbal threat information about COVID-19 and child fear of COVID-19. Furthermore, we investigate whether positive reappraisal, a cognitive regulation strategy, can buffer this relationship. We explored this through two hypotheses: 1) parental verbal threat information is associated with child fear of COVID-19; and 2) child positive reappraisal weakens the relationship between parental verbal threat information and child fear of COVID-19. In order to do so, we measured parental verbal threat information, child fear and child positive reappraisal through self-reported questionnaires in a cross-sectional sample of Dutch child-parent dyads with children aged 8 to 18 (N=195; Mage=14.23; 113 girls) and their parents (N=193; Mage=47.82; 146 mothers). Results show that the frequency of parent’s threatening statements about COVID-19 does relate to their children’s fear of the disease. However, we did not find positive reappraisal to weaken the relationship between parent verbal threat information and child fear of COVID-19. In essence, this evidence highlights the need for future research to further explore the role of positive reappraisal on infants’ verbally installed fear of COVID-19 by their parents.Show less

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Can positive reappraisal buffer the relationship between parental verbal threat information and child fear of COVID-19?