The impact of technostress on caregivers of primary and secondary school children during distance-learning throughout the COVID-19 pandemic

The shift to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to numerous complaints from caregivers unaccustomed to new technologies, resulting in technostress, defined as "stress or psychosomatic illness caused by working with computer technology on a daily basis." This study investi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Educational media international Vol. 61; no. 3; pp. 303 - 320
Main Authors:	Elemam, Mariam, Aboeldahab, Ahmed, Waleed, Khaled, Mando, Razan, Sadeq, Reem, Sultan, Rashid, Hasan, Fatima, Eldesouki, Salma, Qaisar, Rizwan
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	London Routledge 02-07-2024 Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects:	Caregiver Child Relationship Caregivers COVID-19 Data Analysis Distance learning Educational technology Mental health Middle schools Online instruction pandemic Pandemics Stress Technostress UAE
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Summary:	The shift to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to numerous complaints from caregivers unaccustomed to new technologies, resulting in technostress, defined as "stress or psychosomatic illness caused by working with computer technology on a daily basis." This study investigates the prevalence and impact of technostress on caregivers of primary and middle school children attending online school from home in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A cross-sectional study was conducted among caregivers with children in primary and middle school residing in the UAE (n = 727; males = 86, females = 641). Data was collected using an online questionnaire examining technostress and its impact on caregiver-child relationships and health, including sleep, anxiety, and appetite. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (version 26). Caregivers aged 30-39 years and females had the highest technostress scores (p < 0.05), while occupation and education levels had no effect. Technostress was significantly correlated with mental health (r 2 = 0.291; p < 0.001) and caregiver-child relationships (r 2 = 0.429; p < 0.001). Caregivers with two or more children in primary and middle school had higher technostress scores (p < 0.05). In conclusion, female caregivers aged 30-39 experienced higher technostress, negatively impacting their mental health and relationships with their children. We recommend targeted anti-technostress courses and enhanced communication.
ISSN:	0952-3987 1469-5790
DOI:	10.1080/09523987.2024.2400464