This study explored young children's mental health trajectories during the pandemic (May 2020 to April 2021) as well as associations with family functioning (i.e., cohesion, conflict, chaos, and routines) using data reported by 204 parents (children Mage 5.49; 45% girls, 90% White). Children's internalizing problems decreased early on with the onset of the pandemic, but then leveled off, while no change in externalizing problems was found. Family conflict and chaos were significantly associated with internalizing and externalizing problems at the within‐ and between‐family level, when examined independently. When family‐level factors were evaluated simultaneously, family conflict emerged as a robust risk factor. Intervention efforts, specifically for families experiencing increased conflict, may help support the mental health needs of children.

中文翻译：

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家庭功能与儿童内化和外化问题：COVID-19 大流行期间的 16 波纵向研究


本研究使用 204 名父母报告的数据（儿童法师 5.49;45% 女孩，90% 白人）探讨了大流行期间幼儿的心理健康轨迹以及与家庭功能（即凝聚力、冲突、混乱和常规）的关联。随着大流行的开始，儿童的内化问题在早期有所减少，但随后趋于平稳，而外化问题没有发现变化。当独立检查时，家庭冲突和混乱与家庭内部和家庭之间层面的内化和外化问题显著相关。当同时评估家庭层面的因素时，家庭冲突成为一个强大的风险因素。干预工作，特别是针对冲突加剧的家庭，可能有助于支持儿童的心理健康需求。