Anger and aggression in children aged 6-12 in lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the relationship between parents’ emotional states and the anger and aggression levels of their children between the ages of 6-12 who were in social isolation during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Turkey. Materials and Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional and descriptive design. The sample consisted of 261 parents. Data were collected online during lockdowns between May and September 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: More than half of the participants reported that they were unhappy (53.2%), sad (63.2%), and worried about the future due to the COVID-19 pandemic (70.8%). Less than a quarter of the participants were angry (17.6%). Children living in districts had significantly higher verbal aggression scores than those living in city centers (p <0.05). Children with relatives who tested positive for COVID-19 had significantly higher verbal aggression scores than those without (p <0.05). Conclusion: Although, preventive measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic prevent the spread of the virus and allow parents and children to spend time together, they also adversely affect mental health.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• Pandemic
• Social isolation
• Parent-child relationship

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