Methods of Overcoming Parental Psychological Stress in Children's Education During the Period of Movement Control Order (MCO)

Abstract

Methods of overcoming the psychological stress of parents in the process of educating children during the MCO period according to the Islamic perspective are among the issues that need to be addressed to overcome the crisis experienced by parents when managing children at home, especially in the learning process. Studies conducted on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on society revealed social barriers when the pandemic affected emotional and psychological well-being with symptoms of stress, stress, anxiety, worry, depression, and depression as well as persistent economic stress. Parents are no exception affected by the spread of COVID-19 and MCO with concern about the mental and emotional health of children during the MCO as well as stress and burdened with home-based learning and teaching (PdPR). Therefore, the crisis and stress that was found to exist among parents during the pandemic, especially in the aspect of children's education at home, should be taken remedial measures as a practice towards continued well-being and happiness in the family. Thus, this study was conducted to analyze the methods of overcoming the psychological stress of parents in the educational process of children during the MCO period. The design of this study was a survey study. The method of quantitative data collection was done using the distribution of questionnaires to 516 parents and analyzed descriptively using SPSS. The results showed that the majority of respondents always pray and rely on God (mean = 3.61) as the main step to overcome psychological stress. This study can be utilized by parents and all Muslim families next to the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), The National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), and Department of Social Welfare (JKM) to provide continuous education and guidance to shape family well-being in Malaysia.