COVID‐19–related stressors, family functioning and mental health in Canada: Test of indirect effects

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine how family relationships relate to stress and mental health during the COVID‐19 pandemic response in Ontario, Canada. Background Generally, families are pillars of strength during times of stress and burden. However, enduring stressors, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic, may challenge the cohesion and caregiving functions of families. Researchers are just beginning to explore stressors associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic, family functioning, and mental health in the general population. Rooted in stress process theory, the current study disentangles the complex pathways through which COVID‐19‐pandemic–related stressors and family cohesion and family conflict are associated with the mental health of the general population in Ontario, Canada. Method Data were collected using an online survey from April 22, 2020, to May 22, 2020. Through convenience sampling, 933 individuals were recruited from the general population in Ontario, Canada. Results Findings suggest that COVID‐19‐pandemic–related stressors are associated with anxiety directly and indirectly through eroding family cohesion and exacerbating family conflicts. Conclusion By looking into family cohesion and family conflicts simultaneously, this investigation has taken a nuanced approach to studying the influence of COVID‐19‐pandemic–related stressors on family functioning. Implications These findings suggest that efforts to assist families in bolstering cohesiveness may be helpful. Further, diminishing family conflicts, especially during community or global disasters, such as epidemics, pandemics, or natural disasters, should be a focus in both practice and future research.