Risks and opportunities for children's well-being in resource-constrained multigenerational households during COVID-19: Implications for school psychology interventions. (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mohangi, Kamleshie
• Other Names: Matsopoulos Anastassios guest-editor.; Theron Linda guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: School psychology international. Volume 44:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 236
• Page End: 254
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: child well-being -- COVID-19 -- multigenerational family -- resource-constraints -- risk and opportunity -- school psychology; Educational psychology -- Periodicals; School psychology -- Periodicals; 370.1505
• DOI: 10.1177/01430343221144407
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-0343

Abstract

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic had a global impact on family social and economic well-being. Individuals and families sought alternative living arrangements as a result of the financial crisis, health implications, and housing insecurity, with many joining multigenerational households. However, it is unknown how multigenerational family life affects children's well-being. Therefore, this qualitative study explored risks and resilience-building opportunities for children's psychological and social well-being in resource-constrained multigenerational households during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa. Five multigenerational families were selected through snowball sampling and case design. The three generations of participants were grandparents ( n = 5), parents ( n = 7), and children ( n = 4). Data were gathered through a questionnaire and interviews. The study received institutional ethics approval. After thematic analysis, two themes and six sub-themes were identified. Risks were related to interpersonal conflict, family collective fear of COVID-19, and children's multiple other fears. Opportunities were identified as academic support, shared responsibilities, life skills and values acquisition, and family cohesion. Results demonstrated the potential risks and resilience-building opportunities multigenerational households present for children's psychosocial well-being. Multisystemic influences in a multigenerational household contribute to children's adjustment. These outcomes necessitate systemic school psychology interventions. Longitudinal studies are recommended to explore child well-being trends in multigenerational households in varying socioeconomic contexts.