Parenthood Enhances COVID-19-Related Coping and Growth

Background and Purpose: Early findings from a wealth of social research into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have indicated that the effects of the disease and consequent social restrictions have had a negative impact on mental health. Despite numerous indications of increased “caregiver’s burden”, parental stress, and parenting related exhaustion, these conclusions have been drawn on a presumption that parenthood places a unique and increased burden and emotional strain. None of the aforementioned literature included non-parents for comparison. Whether parenthood enhances wellbeing and mental health outcomes has long been debated in the literature. The current study assessed whether parents did indeed cope less well than non-parents and whether positive psychological growth was enhanced amongst parents.

Methods: A sample of 18,695 students in Israel responded to a multi-site COVID-19-related survey studying the impact of COVID-19 on functioning. For the current study, only those who responded regarding their parenting status were included; thus, the current sample included 12,010 non-parents and 3,648 parents. Study variables were COVID-19-related coping and COVID-19-related post traumatic growth, and these variables were examined with relation to parenthood and suspected confounding variables based on the literature on post-traumatic growth.

Results: Parents rated themselves as coping significantly better than non-parents. Parents experienced more COVID-19 related post traumatic growth on all elements of the concept (spiritual, personal and experiencing of others). Within the group of parents studied, post-traumatic growth was enhanced when participants had more than one child.

Conclusions and Implications: The current study indicates that parenthood, in addition to placing an increased financial and emotional burden, may also be a protective factor for enhanced coping and growth during this strenuous period. While many parents are undoubtedly struggling, the possibility for parenthood to enhance resilience should not be overlooked.