Abstract

This study investigated the effect of parents’ emotional states and parenting practices on children’s adjustment during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Children’s negative outcomes (e.g., conduct problems) and positive outcomes (e.g., routine maintenance) and parent-related variables (e.g., perceived distress resulting from the COVID-19 crisis, anxiety, depression, parenting distress, and specific parenting practices) were measured. Participants (n=501) completed an online questionnaire between January and April 2021, during the most restrictive period of social distancing established by the Korean Government. The results indicated that perceived distress resulting from the COVID-19 crisis, anxiety, depression, parenting distress, and specific parenting practices affected children’s positive outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, focused and structured parenting was specifically related to children's positive adjustment. The findings of this study may have implications for policies and programs that support children's well-being in the COVID-19 pandemic and other health-related crises. Limitations and suggestions for further studies are also discussed.