Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume
18
Issue
23
Publisher
MDPI
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
RAS ID
42628
Grant Number
ARC Number : CE140100027
Abstract
This study explores how the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic influenced family routines, relationships and technology use (smartphones and tablet computers) among families with infants. Infancy is known to be an important period for attachment security and future child development, and a time of being susceptible to changes within and outside of the family unit. A qualitative design using convenience sampling was employed. A total of 30 mothers in Perth, Western Australia participated in semi‐structured interviews by audio or video call. All mothers were parents of infants aged 9 to 15 months old. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed, and data were analysed using thematic analysis to code and identify themes in an inductive manner. Families described staying home and stopping all external activities. Three themes relating to family interactions and wellbeing were found: enhanced family relationships; prompted reflection on family schedules; and increased parental stress. Two themes related to family device use were found: enabled connections to be maintained; and source of disrupted interactions within the family unit. Overall, participants described more advantages than downsides of device use during COVID‐19. Findings will be of value in providing useful information for families, health professionals and government advisors for use during future pandemic‐related restrictions.
DOI
10.3390/ijerph182312865
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Hood, R., Zabatiero, J., Silva, D., Zubrick, S. R., & Straker, L. (2021). “Coronavirus changed the rules on everything”: Parent perspectives on how the COVID‐19 pandemic influenced family routines, relationships and technology use in families with infants. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(23), article 12865.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312865