Abusive and positive parenting behavior in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic under the state of emergency. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yamaoka, Yui; Hosozawa, Mariko; Sampei, Makiko; Sawada, Naomi; Okubo, Yusuke; Tanaka, Kyoko; Yamaguchi, Arisa; Hangai, Mayumi; Morisaki, Naho
• Is Part Of: Child abuse & neglect. Volume 120(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- Pandemic -- Child maltreatment -- Positive parenting -- Japan; Child abuse -- Periodicals; 362.76
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105212
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0145-2134

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the lives of children and parents, raising concerns about child maltreatment. Objective: We examined the prevalence of abusive parenting behavior during the pandemic of the COVID-19 and its relations with physical, psychological, and social factors and positive parenting behavior. Participants and setting: An online survey was performed during the COVID-19 state of emergency in Japan. Participants were 5344 parents of children aged 0–17 years. Methods: We conducted an anonymous online survey using multiple platforms, including websites of child-related organizations and social networking services (SNS). Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with abusive behavior. Results: One-fifth of parents reported abusive behaviors, whereas over 80% of parents reported positive parenting behaviors (e.g., empathizing with a child). Abusive parenting behaviors were associated with longer screen time (6+ hours per day: OR, 1.44; 95%CI, 1.05–1.98), poor maternal mental health (K6 = 13+: OR, 2.23; 95%CI, 1.71–2.89), and the occurrence of domestic violence (OR, 4.54; 95%CI, 3.47–5.95). Positive parenting behaviors, especially showing empathy, were associated with lower risks of abusive behaviors (OR, 0.51: 95%CI, 0.39–0.66). Conclusions: Positive parenting behavior is essential to the prevention of child maltreatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Highlights: 18.3% of parents conducted psychological and/or physical abusive behaviors. Approximately over 80% of parents reported positive parenting behaviors. Longer screen time was a risk factor for parental abusive behaviors. Poor maternal mental health and domestic violence were also risk factors. Empathizing with a child was a protective factor for child maltreatment.