Psychological distress and treatment preferences among parents amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

Samantha N Hellberg; Laura Lundegard; Tiffany A Hopkins; Katherine A Thompson; Michelle Kang; Terrique Morris; Crystal E Schiller

doi:10.1016/j.psycom.2023.100109

Psychological distress and treatment preferences among parents amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

Psychiatry Res Commun. 2023 Jun;3(2):100109. doi: 10.1016/j.psycom.2023.100109. Epub 2023 Mar 9.

Authors

Samantha N Hellberg¹, Laura Lundegard², Tiffany A Hopkins², Katherine A Thompson², Michelle Kang², Terrique Morris¹, Crystal E Schiller²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, UNC Chapel Hill, USA.
² Department of Psychiatry, UNC School of Medicine, USA.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many stressors for parents. This study was conducted to examine treatment preferences and barriers to care amidst COVID-19. Parents (N = 95) completed self-report measures. Education was provided on interventions (e.g., individual therapy, medication), and acceptability assessed. Elevated stress and distress were observed. Parents indicated interest in services for parenting concerns, stress, anxiety, and depression. Individual therapy and telehealth were highly acceptable, while medication and group therapy were less accepted. Findings highlight the need for specific supports among parents amidst the pandemic. Factors that influence treatment preference warrant further attention. Implications for healthcare service delivery are discussed.

Keywords: Acceptability; COVID-19; Mental health; Parents; Treatment.