Caregiver and parent–child relationship during COVID-19: The mediator role of anxiety and life satisfaction

Aim: This research was conducted to evaluate the mediation effect of anxiety and life satisfaction on the relationship between Care burden and Parent Child Relationship in Turkish parents during the COVID-19 epidemic. Methods: The research was carried out with parents (221 women and 219 men) who have children between the ages of 6–18 living in Turkey. Data were collected in June–July 2021 using the demographic data form, “Care Burden Scale,” “Pervasive Anxiety Disorder-7 Test,” “Satisfaction with Life Scale,” and “Parent Child Relationship Scale.” Path analysis was used to analyse the relationships. In this study, structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to examine the path analysis. Results: It was found that the burden of care and anxiety of the parents and the parent–child conflict relationship were positively correlated and negatively correlated with the life satisfaction and parent–child closeness relationship (p < 0.05). Path model analyses revealed that the burden of care had a direct effect on anxiety and life satisfaction, and an indirect effect on the parent–child relationship, respectively. Conclusions: It shows that parents' perceptions of how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting their mental health have implications for parent and child well-being, with stronger relationships for low-income families. Anxiety and life satisfaction had a mediating effect between care burden and parent–child relationship. Given the demonstrable impact of COVID-19 on the parent–child relationship, this study may guide the planning of coping strategies and programmes focused on mental health. © 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.