Background: Parents experience everyday stressors related to their role as parents. Parenting during the COVID-19 epidemic is challenging since parents must fulfil a variety of responsibilities.
Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to assess parents' stress levels and the coping mechanisms they use.
Method: A Cross-sectional survey was done among 215 parents of private primary school pupils in the area of Aizawl Municipal Corporation from March 11 to April 6, 2022. By employing the Parental Stress Scale by Berry and Jones in 1995 and the Brief COPE scale by Carver, C.S., in 1997, an online survey was used to assess the parents' stress levels and determine their coping mechanisms.
Result: According to the study's findings, the average parental stress level is 41.30. Mothers (41.82) were found to be more stressed than fathers (39.78). The stress level of working parents was found to be greater (M = 41.54) than that of unemployed parents (M = 40.87). Parents who have divorced experience more stress (M = 46) than parents who are single, widowed, or married (M = 43.71, M = 41, or M = 40.87, respectively). Acceptance, positive reframing, religion, active coping, planning, use of emotional support, and use of instrumental support were the coping mechanisms that the parents most frequently employed.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the need to enhance the mental well-being of caregivers who are vulnerable to parenting stress during a time of crisis.
Key words: Coping strategy, Covid-19, Parenting, Stress