How COVID-19 Affected the Transition to Parenthood

Byrne, Jane E. (Deane) (2022) How COVID-19 Affected the Transition to Parenthood. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

The transition to parenthood is a vulnerable time to an individual’s mental health. Cumulative risk says that multiple stressors increase an individual's risk of experiencing mental health issues. The study aimed to explore the impact of COVID-19 on mental health during the transition to parenthood and how this psychologically changes an individual's identity and relationships. The study was a cross-sectional qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted and data analysis was done using Braun and Clake 2006 thematic analysis. Three overarching themes were found with eleven themes. Eight parents took part in the study, two fathers and six mothers. Adjustment was the biggest overarching theme in the results, it showed the accumulation of risk factors parents faced during the pandemic. Fear and Uncertainty manifested around catching COVID-19 and how it would affect an unborn baby and mother. While the government restrictions left parents Lonely and Socially Isolated. In conclusion the transition to parenthood during the pandemic did impact parents' mental health and longitudinal research should consider how this impacts children born during this time. Implications of the study are that it could go on to inform research to facilitate the improvements in social support for new parents.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Stress (Psychology)
Divisions:	School of Business > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User:	Clara Chan
Date Deposited:	27 Jun 2022 16:39
Last Modified:	27 Jun 2022 16:39
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/5619

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