New research from the Kerr Parent Lab in the School of Human Ecology details the challenges and opportunities to mental health and well-being that parents have found as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic with their families.

Drawing from a survey of 1,009 parents in late April, when most schools across the U.S. had closed and Safer-At-Home orders were in effect, Dr. Margaret L. Kerr and her team found parents reporting heavy costs to their psychological health even alongside increased appreciation for and closeness to their children. Eighty percent of respondents were from Wisconsin.

Key findings included:

• Two-thirds (66%) of parents reported that COVID-19 has negatively impacted their psychological health.
• Two out of every five parents (39%) reported symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety and/or depression.
• Many parents reported more feelings of frustration (57%) and worry (67%) than usual.
• Most parents felt that concerns around work (66%) and social distancing (60%) were interfering with parenting.
• The majority of families were spending more time in activities together, including shared meals (68% of families) and outdoor activities (69%).
• Most parents felt more gratitude (54%) and closer to their children (58%) than usual.

Check out the entire report here