What about the Consequences of the Use of Distance Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Survey on the Psychological Effects in Both Children and Parents

Maria Grazia Maggio, Maria Chiara Stagnitti, Patrizia Calatozzo, Antonino Cannavò, Daniele Bruschetta, Marilena Foti Cuzzola, Alfredo Manuli, Giovanni Pioggia and Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
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Maria Grazia Maggio: Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, The University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
Maria Chiara Stagnitti: Studio di Psicoterapia Relazionale e Riabilitazione Cognitiva, 98124 Messina, Italy
Patrizia Calatozzo: Studio di Psicoterapia Relazionale e Riabilitazione Cognitiva, 98124 Messina, Italy
Antonino Cannavò: AOU Policlinico “G. Martino”, 98125 Messina, Italy
Daniele Bruschetta: AOU Policlinico “G. Martino”, 98125 Messina, Italy
Marilena Foti Cuzzola: Studio di Psicoterapia Relazionale e Riabilitazione Cognitiva, 98124 Messina, Italy
Alfredo Manuli: AOU Policlinico “G. Martino”, 98125 Messina, Italy
Giovanni Pioggia: Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council of Italy (IRIB-CNR), 98164 Messina, Italy
Rocco Salvatore Calabrò: IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino Pulejo”, 98121 Messina, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 23, 1-8

Abstract: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic implicated many social restrictions, including the use of distance learning (DL). Indeed, parents were obligated to support their children in online lessons and schoolwork. The aim of this study was to investigate the psycho-emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents and children submitted to DL. Methods: One hundred and ninety-two participants (96 parents and 96 children) were enrolled in this study. Parents and children completed an online questionnaire, structured in four sections. Results: The results showed that parents had higher levels of stress and anxiety. In particular, the stress for DL was positively correlated with depression and anxiety. Parents’ jobs were negatively correlated with their levels of anxiety and stress. On the other hand, children reported higher levels of depressive symptoms and event-related anxiety, which increased as children got older. The stress and the anxiety in parents were positively correlated with the mood depression and anxiety of their children. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the psychological well-being of children and parents who used DL. Although DL could be an alternative teaching method during pandemics, face-to-face teaching is fundamental and irreplaceable as it encourages dialogue, involvement, and human contact.

Keywords: COVID-19; distance learning; psycho-emotional impact (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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