CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers in-depth insight into how families and youth across the Midwest experienced the COVID-19 pandemic—and what those experiences mean for future public health responses.
Led by Dr. Jacinda K. Dariotis of the Family Resiliency Center, the research team surveyed nearly 500 parents and teens in 2022, asking them to reflect on their challenges, growth, and emotional well-being during the pandemic. The findings, published in the American Journal of Qualitative Research, identify nine major themes, from grief and mental health strain to surprising silver linings such as increased empathy, family bonding, and personal development.
“Youth reported growing in confidence, while some parents noticed maturity and independence developing faster than expected,” said Dana Eldreth, co-author and senior research scientist. However, many families also faced developmental delays, economic hardship, and mental health struggles—especially among adolescents and mothers of young children.
The study also revealed tensions over pandemic policies, shifts in family dynamics, and inequities exposed by remote schooling. Co-author Rebecca Smith emphasized the importance of listening to people’s lived experiences to shape better public health planning: “Effective response starts with understanding, not assumptions.”
Researchers say the results underscore the need for more personalized approaches to public health policy and pandemic response, especially for vulnerable populations.