A longitudinal study of psychological distress during and after COVID-19 restrictions in caregivers of children with intellectual disability in the UK

Introduction
The current study explored longitudinally whether child behaviours that challenge and caregiver coping strategies was associated with psychological distress in caregivers of children with and without intellectual disability during and after lockdown.

Method
An online survey was completed by caregivers who had children with and without intellectual disability during Time Period 1 (T1; August-December 2021, n = 171) and then again during Time Period 2 (T2; January–March 2022, n = 109).

Results
Child behaviours that challenge and caregiver psychological distress reduced in T2 compared to T1. Child behaviours that challenge, emotion focussed coping and avoidant coping was associated distress at both time points in caregivers of children with and without intellectual disabilities.

Conclusions
The study shows that both child behaviours that challenge and caregiver psychological distress reduced as lockdown ended. However, caregiver coping strategies may have contributed to psychological distress, which has potential implications for interventions and support for caregivers.