COVID Instead of Daycare. The Ongoing Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Preschoolers' Mental Health

Background: In spring 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased behavioral problems in preschoolers. Objective: The present study aims to investigate the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on preschoolers' mental health and to identify potential moderators. Method: In two independent surveys in March and November 2021, we assessed 331 preschoolers' behavioral problems reported by their parents in Rhineland-Palatinate. To quantify the impact of the pandemic on preschoolers' mental health, we compared the data with a pre-pandemic, population-based sample. Moreover, we used logistic regression analyses to identify modulating factors. Results: Behavioral problems increased during the pandemic. Findings were robust when sociodemographic differences were taken into account. Additionally, we identified preschoolers' emotion regulation skills as well as parents' emotional competencies and their level of mental health problems as moderating factors. Conclusion: The results highlight the need for prevention programs focusing on the promotion of socioemotional competencies of preschoolers and their parents.