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Online study on internalizing behavior in 2-6 year old children as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic

Conditions
internalizing behavior, internalizing problems
Registration Number
DRKS00023812
Lead Sponsor
Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie der Universität Regensburg am Bezirksklinikum Regensburg
Brief Summary

Preschool children’s mental health is strongly and negatively influenced by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its lockdown measures. Sustained preschool attendance may serve as a protective factor.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
Complete
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
112
Inclusion Criteria

The subjects must be parents of a 2-6 year old child who attends a kindergarten or daycare center. In addition, their kindergarten teachers are also interviewed, given that parents provide prior informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria

Parents of a 2 - 6 year old child who does not attend kindergarten or daycare.

Study & Design

Study Type
observational
Study Design
Not specified
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
The present study aims to show whether children who are not yet able to express their mental health concerns verbally are also strongly affected by the limitations of life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and whether these effects manifest themselves in the form of internalizing behavior. An increase in internalizing behavior might indicate a need for early interventions to prevent averse affects of additional restrictions.<br><br>Questionnaires used:<br>- CMFWQ (Children's Moods, Fears and Worries Questionnaire)<br>- CBCL (Child Behavior Checklist 1,5 5)<br>- SDQ (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire)<br>- RPG (Role Playing Game Short Version)<br>- Corona specific questions<br><br>The study is planned to start on the 15.02.21 and participants will be recruited over a period of 2 months. However, recruiting will be postponed if the current restrictions of day care and kindergartens will be prolonged.
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Furthermore, it will be explored whether the psychological state of the caregivers also plays a significant role for the manifestation of internalizing behavior in children.<br><br>Questionnaires used:<br>- SSS 8 Somatic Symptom Scale <br>- CESD R Depression Questionnaire<br>- GAD 7 Anxiety Questionnaire<br>- PSS (Parental Stress Scale)<br><br>The study is planned to start on the 15.02.21 and participants will be recruited over a period of 2 months. However, recruiting will be postponed if the current restrictions of day care and kindergartens will be prolonged.
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