Role of pandemic-related experiences and maternal psychological distress in maternal rejection

Objective

The current study focuses on the indirect link between mothers' COVID-19 pandemic-related experiences of home chaos, pandemic-related anxiety, social support, and perceived maternal rejection through maternal psychological distress (MPD).

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic had striking effects on families, and parents with school-aged children were especially considered more at risk. Yet, the growing research documented negative and positive outcomes for the parent–child relationship.

Method

In this two-wave study, data were collected before (January–February 2020) and during the pandemic (November–December 2020) from 318 Turkish mothers (M_age = 37.13, SD = 5.67) with predominantly low educational attainment and children in Grades 1 to 11 (M_age = 11.57, SD = 3.05). MPD and perceived maternal rejection were measured before and during the pandemic. Maternal pandemic-related anxiety, mothers' perceived social support, and chaos in the home environment were measured only during the pandemic. Structural equation modeling was used for analysis.

Results

After pre-pandemic MPD and perceived maternal rejection were controlled, MPD was positively associated with rejection during the pandemic. Pandemic-related anxiety and home chaos, but not social support, predicted maternal rejection through MPD.

Conclusion

Mothers' COVID-19–related experiences were related to increased MPD, which also predicted increased maternal rejection as perceived by children.

Implications

The results should be considered in developing programs for mothers facing stressful circumstances. In particular, we recommend programs that promote equal role division in the family, which could support maternal well-being, alleviate MPD, and improve the mother–child relationship.