TY - JOUR
T1 - Investigating the impact of isolation during COVID-19 on family functioning – an Australian snapshot
AU - Sheen, Jade
AU - Aridas, Anna
AU - Tchernegovski, Phillip
AU - Dudley, Amanda
AU - McGillivray, Jane
AU - Reupert, Andrea
N1 - Funding Information:
This project was funded using award money from the Australian Awards for University Teaching.
Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2021 Sheen, Aridas, Tchernegovski, Dudley, McGillivray and Reupert.
PY - 2021/12/7
Y1 - 2021/12/7
N2 - This study explored possible changes in family functioning from the perspective of parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thirty-four parents/guardians of children under 18 years completed a semi-structured interview, average length 47 min. Interviews focussed on changes in different aspects of family functioning including family roles, routines, and rules; parenting practices; communication and relationships; and strengths, challenges, and tensions. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis applied in an idiographic and inductive manner to reduce the loss of individual experiences and perspectives. Four superordinate themes were identified: shifting family roles and boundaries throughout the pandemic; impacts on routines and relationships; opportunities and resourcing; and, experiences of support and unity. Gender differences were evident across some themes, particularly changing roles, workload and work-home boundaries. Challenges and tensions were frequently highlighted, particularly by “vulnerable” family groups such as those with children with disabilities. Parents also described a renewed sense of family and community that underpinned adaptive coping responses. The results highlight the importance of family connectedness in times of need.
AB - This study explored possible changes in family functioning from the perspective of parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thirty-four parents/guardians of children under 18 years completed a semi-structured interview, average length 47 min. Interviews focussed on changes in different aspects of family functioning including family roles, routines, and rules; parenting practices; communication and relationships; and strengths, challenges, and tensions. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis applied in an idiographic and inductive manner to reduce the loss of individual experiences and perspectives. Four superordinate themes were identified: shifting family roles and boundaries throughout the pandemic; impacts on routines and relationships; opportunities and resourcing; and, experiences of support and unity. Gender differences were evident across some themes, particularly changing roles, workload and work-home boundaries. Challenges and tensions were frequently highlighted, particularly by “vulnerable” family groups such as those with children with disabilities. Parents also described a renewed sense of family and community that underpinned adaptive coping responses. The results highlight the importance of family connectedness in times of need.
KW - Australia
KW - COVID-19
KW - family functioning
KW - family relationships
KW - isolation
KW - parenting
KW - qualitative study
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85121660040&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.722161
DO - 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.722161
M3 - Article
C2 - 34950080
AN - SCOPUS:85121660040
SN - 1664-1078
VL - 12
JO - Frontiers in Psychology
JF - Frontiers in Psychology
M1 - 722161
ER -