Managing Children’s Fears during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Strategies Adopted by Italian Caregivers

Marta Landoni (), Sergio A. Silverio, Chiara Ionio and Francesca Giordano
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Marta Landoni: CriDee Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy
Sergio A. Silverio: Department of Women & Children’s Health, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
Chiara Ionio: CriDee Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy
Francesca Giordano: RiRes Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 18, 1-12

Abstract: Background: Life-threatening events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may generate feelings of insecurity and fear in the affected population, particularly children. Parents’ ability to help children cope with negative emotions is essential during challenging periods. The current study aims to analyse the coping strategies adopted by Italian caregivers concerning their children’s fears about COVID-19. Method: An online survey was administered during the Italian lockdown to 649 parents of at least one child aged 5 to 17 years old. Respondents completed the survey for themselves and their children. In addition, a qualitative content analysis of the data from the open-ended question was conducted (N = 569; 87.9% women; M Age = 45 years). Results: Several themes were identified. Firstly, families’ primary approach was ‘communication and meaning-making’. Secondly, another essential strategy was ‘the importance of safe space’, enabled by keeping routine in place and creating a loving and caring environment. Thirdly, other factors relevant to managing children’s fears were ‘adaptation’, ‘religion’, ‘a positive attitude’, and ‘humour and hope’. Finally, the last two strategies significant and valuable for Italian families were ‘flexibility’ and ‘maintaining virtual contacts. Conclusion: During the pandemic COVID-19, parents may have used various strategies to protect their children from stress. Future research could investigate single parents’ coping strategies explicitly developed during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Keywords: fear; COVID-19; children; parents; coping strategies; family resilience; qualitative; content analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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