Pandemic Causes Increased Mental Health Strain on Low-Income Families
Researchers from Michigan State University College of Nursing analyzed over 400 survey responses from parents and found that the pandemic has increased stress among lower-income families. The study showed that almost half of respondents expressed struggling with food insecurity, leading to increased stress and anxiety for parents and increased feelings of sadness and fear in children. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of respondents struggled to pay their bills and almost eight in 10 respondents reported increased screen time, both leading to higher levels of stress and anxiety. The study also showed that low-income white parents reported higher levels of stress and higher levels of negative emotions in their children as compared to low-income minority parents. On average, white parents’ levels of stress, anxiety, and depression were 8 percent higher than minority parents’ levels.