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Faculty of Graduate Studies

Xin (Sunny) Ran Guo

  • BSc Hons (University of Calgary, 2020)

Notice of the Final Oral Examination for the Degree of Master of Science

Topic

Assessing the Long-Term Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Psychosocial Well-Being in Families of Children With Support Needs

Department of Psychology

Date & location

  • Tuesday, July 21, 2026

  • 10:00 A.M.

  • Virtual Defence

Reviewers

Supervisory Committee

  • Dr. Sarah Macoun, Department of Psychology, University of Victoria (Supervisor)

  • Dr. Megan Ames, Department of Psychology, UVic (Unit Member)

  • Dr. Brian Katz, Department of Psychology, UVic (Member) 

External Examiner

  • Dr. Todd Milford, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Victoria 

Chair of Oral Examination

  • Dr. Gary MacGillivray, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, UVic

     

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced significant disruptions to family life, particularly for caregivers of children with additional support needs. This thesis investigated multi-domain stress among caregivers in the post-pandemic landscape, as well as a pathway through which caregiver stress may be related to children’s psychosocial outcomes. 

The final sample included 178 caregivers of children with support needs across Canada who completed an online survey. Descriptive analyses were used to characterize caregivers’ experiences, and structural equation modelling was conducted to test a mediation model in which total caregiver stress functioned as a latent construct linking pandemic stress to child outcomes. 

Results indicated that many caregivers reported service dissatisfaction and varied experiences of stress in the post-pandemic period. While average stress levels were moderate, a substantial subgroup reported high levels of strain. Mediation analyses revealed that COVID-19 related stress was associated with higher levels of total caregiver stress, which in turn predicted greater internalizing and externalizing symptoms in children. COVID-19 stress did not directly predict internalizing symptoms in children once caregiver stress was accounted for, suggesting that caregiver stress functioned as a key pathway linking pandemic stress to children’s emotional outcomes. 

Together, these findings highlight the central role of caregiver well-being within the family system and underscore the importance of policies that reduce caregiver stress and increase family resilience during future global health events. 

Keywords: COVID-19, caregiver stress, children with support needs, internalizing symptoms, externalizing symptoms, family systems, mediation, post-pandemic

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