Peer-reviewed article
Abusive and positive parenting behavior in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic under the state of emergency
Yui Yamaoka, Mariko Hosozawa, Makiko Sampei, Naomi Sawada, Yusuke Okubo et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001During Japan's COVID-19 state of emergency, a survey of 5,344 parents found that one-fifth reported abusive parenting behaviors toward children aged 0-17 years. Abusive behavior was linked to longer screen time, poor maternal mental health, and domestic violence in the home. Over 80% of parents also reported positive parenting behaviors such as empathy, which was protective against abuse. The study suggests promoting positive parenting, particularly empathy, as a way to prevent child maltreatment during crises.
Key points
- Approximately 20% of surveyed parents reported abusive parenting behaviors during the COVID-19 state of emergency
- Over 80% of parents reported positive parenting behaviors, especially showing empathy to children
- Parents with poor mental health (K6 score of 13 or higher) were 2.23 times more likely to use abusive behaviors
- Domestic violence in the home was strongly associated with abusive parenting (4.54 times higher odds)
- Showing empathy toward children was protective, reducing odds of abusive behavior by 49%
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional and uses self-reported data from an online survey, which may not capture the full scope of abuse or represent all parent populations equally. The survey methodology via SNS and child-related organization websites may introduce selection bias toward parents already engaged with such services.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the lives of children and parents, raising concerns about child maltreatment. OBJECTIVE: We examined the prevalence of abusive parenting behavior during the pandemic of the COVID-19 and its relations with physical, psychological, and social factors and positive parenting behavior. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: An online survey was performed during the COVID-19 state of emergency in Japan. Participants were 5344 parents of children aged 0-17 years. METHODS: We conducted an anonymous online survey using multiple platforms, including websites of child-related organizations and social networking services (SNS). Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with abusive behavior. RESULTS: One-fifth of parents reported abusive behaviors, whereas over 80% of parents reported positive parenting behaviors (e.g., empathizing with a child). Abusive parenting behaviors were associated with longer screen time (6+ hours per day: OR, 1.44; 95%CI, 1.05-1.98), poor maternal mental health (K6 = 13+: OR, 2.23; 95%CI, 1.71-2.89), and the occurrence of domestic violence (OR, 4.54; 95%CI, 3.47-5.95). Positive parenting behaviors, especially showing empathy, were associated with lower risks of abusive behaviors (OR, 0.51: 95%CI, 0.39-0.66). CONCLUSIONS: Positive parenting behavior is essential to the prevention of child maltreatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.