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What about the Consequences of the Use of Distance Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Survey on the Psychological Effects in Both Children and Parents

Author

Listed:
  • Maria Grazia Maggio

    (Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, The University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy)

  • Maria Chiara Stagnitti

    (Studio di Psicoterapia Relazionale e Riabilitazione Cognitiva, 98124 Messina, Italy)

  • Patrizia Calatozzo

    (Studio di Psicoterapia Relazionale e Riabilitazione Cognitiva, 98124 Messina, Italy)

  • Antonino Cannavò

    (AOU Policlinico “G. Martino”, 98125 Messina, Italy)

  • Daniele Bruschetta

    (AOU Policlinico “G. Martino”, 98125 Messina, Italy)

  • Marilena Foti Cuzzola

    (Studio di Psicoterapia Relazionale e Riabilitazione Cognitiva, 98124 Messina, Italy)

  • Alfredo Manuli

    (AOU Policlinico “G. Martino”, 98125 Messina, Italy)

  • Giovanni Pioggia

    (Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council of Italy (IRIB-CNR), 98164 Messina, Italy)

  • Rocco Salvatore Calabrò

    (IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino Pulejo”, 98121 Messina, Italy)

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic implicated many social restrictions, including the use of distance learning (DL). Indeed, parents were obligated to support their children in online lessons and schoolwork. The aim of this study was to investigate the psycho-emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents and children submitted to DL. Methods: One hundred and ninety-two participants (96 parents and 96 children) were enrolled in this study. Parents and children completed an online questionnaire, structured in four sections. Results: The results showed that parents had higher levels of stress and anxiety. In particular, the stress for DL was positively correlated with depression and anxiety. Parents’ jobs were negatively correlated with their levels of anxiety and stress. On the other hand, children reported higher levels of depressive symptoms and event-related anxiety, which increased as children got older. The stress and the anxiety in parents were positively correlated with the mood depression and anxiety of their children. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the psychological well-being of children and parents who used DL. Although DL could be an alternative teaching method during pandemics, face-to-face teaching is fundamental and irreplaceable as it encourages dialogue, involvement, and human contact.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Grazia Maggio & Maria Chiara Stagnitti & Patrizia Calatozzo & Antonino Cannavò & Daniele Bruschetta & Marilena Foti Cuzzola & Alfredo Manuli & Giovanni Pioggia & Rocco Salvatore Calabrò, 2021. "What about the Consequences of the Use of Distance Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Survey on the Psychological Effects in Both Children and Parents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-8, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:23:p:12641-:d:692003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Maria Cusinato & Sara Iannattone & Andrea Spoto & Mikael Poli & Carlo Moretti & Michela Gatta & Marina Miscioscia, 2020. "Stress, Resilience, and Well-Being in Italian Children and Their Parents during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-17, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Angelo Rega & Raffaele Nappo & Roberta Simeoli & Mariangela Cerasuolo, 2022. "Age-Related Differences in Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-14, May.
    2. Markus Stracke & Miriam Heinzl & Anne Dorothee Müller & Kristin Gilbert & Anne Amalie Elgaard Thorup & Jean Lillian Paul & Hanna Christiansen, 2023. "Mental Health Is a Family Affair—Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Associations between Mental Health Problems in Parents and Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-18, March.
    3. Verena Barbieri & Christian Josef Wiedermann & Anne Kaman & Michael Erhart & Giuliano Piccoliori & Barbara Plagg & Angelika Mahlknecht & Dietmar Ausserhofer & Adolf Engl & Ulrike Ravens-Sieberer, 2022. "Quality of Life and Mental Health in Children and Adolescents after the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Large Population-Based Survey in South Tyrol, Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-18, April.
    4. Alfredo Manuli & Maria Grazia Maggio & Gianluca La Rosa & Vera Gregoli & Daniele Tripoli & Fausto Famà & Valentina Oddo & Giovanni Pioggia & Rocco Salvatore Calabrò, 2022. "Emotional Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Nursing Students Receiving Distance Learning: An Explorative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-10, August.

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