Mother–child relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal qualitative approach

Abstract

Global crises have a disproportionate impact on women, and typical family life for mothers and children in the United States was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This longitudinal qualitative study examined mothers' (n = 82) experiences in their mother–child relationships between March 2020 and April 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants completed open-ended online survey items at both time points, while 22 participants also completed in-depth interviews in April 2021. Three themes were identified through longitudinal qualitative analysis: (1) outside relationships and resources, (2) relational change and continuity, and (3) mother–child time. Results are discussed using Bronfenbrenner's Person, Process, Context, Time (PPCT) model.