The Effects of COVID-19 Confinement on the Spanish Family: Adaptation or Change?

Abstract

Spain is one of the countries that has been most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. As a southern European country, Spain is characterized by high levels of sociability and the vital role of the family in its social structure. The intense confinement phase raised many questions about how the Spanish family would adapt to this crisis. This study analyzes the consequences of confinement on three areas of family life: the emotional state of its members, family relationships inside and outside the home, and the impact of ICTs on families in isolation. Only statistically representative data published by Spain’s main research institutes are used for this study. The results highlight the important adaptive capacity of the Spanish family, the activation of solidarity networks and the improvement in internal and external family relationships. This situation has served to accelerate the development of new technologies in the domestic sphere, with effects on the communicative relationship between its members and to open the debate on teleworking as a tool for reconciliation of work and family life.

Family demands and satisfaction with family life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“…Moreover, German national panel data collected between May 2020 and June 2020 (n.b., a timeline encompassed by the present study) suggests a modest increase in satisfaction with family life over this time span (Huebener et al, 2020). Similar results, suggesting the maintenance of satisfaction with family life during the pandemic lockdown, were likewise found in a nationally representative study conducted in Spain (Ayuso et al, 2020).…”

Family Demands and Satisfaction with Family Life During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Moreover, German national panel data collected between May 2020 and June 2020 (n.b., a timeline encompassed by the present study) suggests a modest increase in satisfaction with family life over this time span (Huebener et al, 2020). Similar results, suggesting the maintenance of satisfaction with family life during the pandemic lockdown, were likewise found in a nationally representative study conducted in Spain (Ayuso et al, 2020).…”

Forced Remote Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany: A Mixed-Methods Study on Students' Positive and Negative Expectations

“…The most frequently mentioned positive effects expected from the transition to remote learning were the saving of time as well as flexibility issues regarding time and work management, the (asynchronous) reception and processing of course materials, choice of learning locations, and in general. These advantages of remote learning had already been highlighted previously (Daymont et al, 2011), but during the current pandemic, these benefits seem particularly important for adequately addressing and compensating challenges in other areas of life, such as those associated with job loss (Aucejo et al, 2020) and new obligations in family life (Ayuso et al, 2020). Hence, universities and lecturers should try to maximize flexibility options during this challenging time.…”

“…Indeed, research shows that the pandemic has led to anxiety, distress, and uncertainty among German adults in general (Benke et al, 2020 ; Petzold et al, 2020 ). International studies revealed that the pandemic has had several negative impacts on students' well-being and psychosocial variables (Cao et al, 2020 ; Wang and Zhao, 2020 ), and that it has led to job losses or reduced income (Aucejo et al, 2020 ) as well as to new obligations and challenges in family life (Ayuso et al, 2020 ). However, remote teaching and learning can also have positive effects for students, for example, increased flexibility regarding the time and place of learning (Arkorful and Abaidoo, 2015 ).…”