Parent-child relationships and psychological distress: survey of parents from low-income families after the COVID-19 pandemic

Wong, Li Ping and Alias, Haridah and Farid, Nik Daliana Nik and Yusop, Sofia Md and Musa, Zuhrah and Hu, Zhijian and Lin, Yulan (2023) Parent-child relationships and psychological distress: survey of parents from low-income families after the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in Public Health, 11. ISSN 2296-2565, DOI https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1158698.

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Abstract

IntroductionThis study aims to shed light on parent-child relationships and the psychological health of parents from low-income families after the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. MethodsThis cross-sectional study recruited 553 parents of children aged 13-24 years in low-income community settings. The Parent-Child Conflict scale of the Parental Environment Questionnaire (PEQ) was used to measure parent-child conflict. Psychological distress was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale short form (DASS-21). ResultsThe study revealed a low level of parent-child conflict in the overall study population, with a median PEQ of 48.0 (interquartile range IQR] 36 to 48). Concerning demographics, married parents reported a likelihood of having a higher level of parent-child conflict over 3 times higher than single parents (OR = 3.18 95%, CI 1.30-7.75). More parent-child conflicts were also found in parents aged 60-72 years old who were unemployed, retired, or housewives and from lower-income groups. In regard to lifestyle factors, a higher level of physical activity and having enough sleep were associated with lower levels of parent-child conflict. Only approximately 1% of the participants reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress. DiscussionLow risk exists for parent-child conflict and psychological sequelae following the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, which could be due to various support measures implemented by the government. Vulnerable parents identified as being at risk of parent-child conflict warrant attention in future advocacy efforts.

Item Type: Article
Funders: UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords: youth-parent conflict; PEQ; post pandemic; B40; DASS-21
Subjects: R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine
R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Divisions: Faculty of Medicine > Social & Preventive Medicine
Depositing User: Ms. Juhaida Abd Rahim
Date Deposited: 01 Oct 2025 02:28
Last Modified: 01 Oct 2025 02:28
URI: http://eprints.um.edu.my/id/eprint/50322

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