FIU researchers need participants to study the impact of coronavirus on families

Researchers at FIU’s Center for Children and Families are recruiting participants for an online study to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic and related life disruptions are impacting families.

Researchers are seeking parents of children between the ages of five and 17 to learn how they and their children are coping during this difficult time, including how they are talking to their children about COVID-19, as well as their own thoughts and feelings about the pandemic.

“We are specifically interested in learning how different families are balancing work and childcare responsibilities, potential work disruptions and financial hardships, and new homeschooling activities,” said Professor Jonathan S. Comer, director of the Mental Health Interventions and Technology (MINT) Program at FIU’s Center for Children and Families.

Comer, who is helping lead this collaborative study added, “We hope that by learning how families are handling this public health crisis now, we can find effective ways to help identify the specific needs of families during this most difficult time, and understand overall coping during this pandemic.”

Participating families can earn up to $100 and are being asked to complete a total of four surveys that take about 30 minutes each to complete, over a six-month span. The surveys are available in English and Spanish.

“Studies like this are needed to inform outreach and response efforts,” said Comer. “It’s critical to hear directly from families about their personal experiences and needs during this difficult time.”

The research project is in collaboration with Lindsay Malloy from Ontario Tech University, Donna Pincus from Boston University, Jill Ehrenreich-May from University of Miami, Robin Gurwitch from Duke University, and Angela Evans from Brock University.

For helpful information for families during this challenging time, visit FIU’s Center for Children and Families coronavirus resource page.