Investigation of the Effects of Parents' Individual, Familial and Environmental Stress Factors on Children's Psychological Health in the Context of the COVID-19 Epidemic

Within the scope of this research project, it is aimed to longitudinally examine the effects of stress and individual stressors (stress, depression, anxiety) of mothers with young children on the psychological health of children (negative affect, external and internal orientation behaviors) in the context of COVID-19. The sources of stress experienced by mothers with young children in the context of COVID-19 have been identified. During the epidemic period, an increase in mothers' COVID-19 stresses and a decrease in marital adjustment were found. Relationship harmony of mothers with their spouses is important for their and their children's psychological health. Stress sources emerging in the context of COVID-19 have a negative relationship with the psychological health of both mothers and children. It has been revealed that mothers' stress and individual stress, depression and anxiety in the context of COVID-19 during the epidemic may have a negative effect on children's negative affect, internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Family-based intervention programs designed to reduce or eliminate the stress of mothers with young children in the context of COVID-19 will be beneficial for the psychological health of both mothers and children. Strengthening the harmony of mothers with their spouses will have positive results for both their own and their children's psychological health.