PRESCHOOLERS’ EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL REACTIONS TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC 2020

Abstract

Countries all over the world, including Pakistan, are struggling with how to better protect children from the negative impact of the coronavirus physically and psychologically. The sudden enforced social isolation caused by COVID 19 has struck badly the global community's daily activities, especially on preschoolers, it is leaving immense influence. To promote and implement social distancing guidelines, most schools are closed, and switched to home-based or online learning as part of the steps to minimize the spread of the virus. Sudden shift in the learning environment, as well as restricted social experiences and activities contributed in the children’s mental and emotional development in a destructive way during this unusual situation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on preschool children and recognize emotional and behavior changes in them. The perspectives of teachers and parents have also been taken to know about the potential strategies for improving the pre-schoolers ’behavior in order to avoid the negative consequences of this crisis on their future.

Keywords: Pre-schoolers, covid19, emotional response, behavioral response.