What works in Pandemic Times? A Qualitative Study of Resilience and Coping Strategies of Families Facing COVID-19 Pandemic Measures in Germany

Many studies show the psychosocial impact of the pandemics and containment measures on families and children during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This raises the need to develop concepts that support families in this and similar future scenarios. Based on psychological and educational research, such approaches should promote active coping strategies on a resource-based view. With the research question, which strategies families used to cope with this situation, we conducted a qualitative interview study. This was based on review studies of the risks of the pandemic and scientific coping models. In this context, our interview partners showed different strategies, especially in the change of relationship patterns, changes in parenting behavior and in everyday routines, which were activated and evaluated as positive. Based on these findings, possible support strategies for families through social support are proposed and discussed.