CRANE RESEARCH FORUM RECAP: Changes in Alcohol Use and Parenting Behaviors during COVID-19

The April 2022 Crane Center Research Forum featured Dr. Bridget Freisthler, professor of social work at The Ohio State University.

COVID-19 was a difficult time for parents as they had to adjust to virtual school for their children, often while managing their own careers and the safety of those in their household. New research from Dr. Freisthler shows that mothers, especially those of young children, reported higher levels of stress and also appeared to be drinking more alcohol during this time. The study examines the changes in alcohol use and parenting at three time points, the first being the initial stay-at-home orders in Ohio, among a convenience sample of parents.

Dr. Freisthler’s research focuses designing, implementing, and evaluating intervention strategies that reduce substance misuse and child abuse and neglect. She partners with agencies in order to ensure this work is useful and meaningful for the populations she studies.