Video Abstract: Children’s Attention and Self-Regulatory Behavior before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected emotional and behavioral well-being of children and families. In this study, we investigated changes in children’s self-regulation before and during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of pandemic-related life disruptions on children’s behavior. Families who participated in an intergenerational study up to one year prior to the pandemic were recontacted (April 2020 - August 2020, n = 45, 87% Black). We found that children’s self-regulation decreased pre-pandemic to pandemic, particularly for children experiencing more pandemic-related disruptions. Children whose families have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic may need focused support in school and at home to avoid widening pre-pandemic health disparities.