Emotional problems in young children during the SARS-CoV-2-pandemic and child attachment

Background Restrictions imposed by national governments during SARS-CoV-2-pandemic have impacted the mental health of children around world. Studies already proven importance secure attachment acting as a protective factor in child development. Therefore, with higher chance developing and using appropriate coping mechanisms. Objective The goal this study was to explore possible connection between pandemic, well attachment, young children's emotional health. general hypothesis assumes lower rate problems among insecure-disorganized an increase these pandemic. Method analysis included N = 129 mothers ( M 39.98 years) their 5.19 years). Via online survey, which held at different time points information on retrieved. survey used Strengths Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Data regarding quality collected via Strange Situations Test (SST). At point participating were approximately 12 months old. Results calculation mixed ANCOVA showed, that had significant influence [ F (2, 121) 4.01, p .021]. interaction effect reached significance (3.45, 208.42) 3.58, .011]. additional reported girls than those boys (1, 118) 4.56, .035). Conclusions Our shows there is association security impact SARS-CoV-2 pandemic preschool Germany. all increased, especially disorganized attached been emotionally stressed first lockdown. results indicate need for preventive services (for parents) promote maintain stress skills order times crisis.