DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/FHQP-EG48
Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1243-109X
Defense Date
2022
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Marcia A. Winter
Abstract
The objective of this study was to test the role of parent alexithymia in explaining why some children are functioning relatively well during the COVID-19 pandemic while others are experiencing poor mental health. Participants were 88 U.S. children (Mage = 9.94 years; 54.5% female; 59.1% White) and their parents/caregivers (68.2% female; 59.1% White). Two models were tested: a path model in which the association between parent alexithymia symptoms and child COVID-19-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) was mediated by child alexithymia symptoms, and a moderator model in which the association between parent alexithymia symptoms and child PTSS was moderated by child alexithymia symptoms. The hypothesized mediation model was statistically significant (β = 0.15, SE = 0.05, 95% CI: [0.07, 0.25]), whereas the alternative moderator model was not (β = .06, p = .44). Findings highlight the importance of parents’ emotional understanding and regulation for child mental health during mass trauma.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-4-2022