Framed by the socio-ecological model of well-being, we examined the relative
importance of factors contributing to three dimensions of well-being (child,
parent, and family) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 536 participants
from the Atlantic provinces of Canada answered a cross-sectional survey in 2021,
covering experiences during the pandemic (eg, changes in family life and
well-being). Well-being was assessed with 3 single-item measures on positive
change in the life of children, parents, and families during the pandemic. This
study involved 21 predictor variables (eg, change in time spent on various
family activities). Using multiple regression and measures of relative
importance based on the Lindeman, Merenda and Gold (lmg) method, we identified
the variables most important to predicting well-being. Twenty-one predictors
accounted for 21% of the variance in child well-being, 25% in parent well-being,
and 36% in family well-being. Well-being at all 3 levels (child, parent, and
family) shared the same top predictor (family closeness). The top 6 predictors
of well-being at each level were related to leisure (eg, play) and time-use (eg,
to prepare meals, engage in self-care, and rest). The effect sizes were smaller
for child well-being than at the parent or family level, suggesting there may be
important predictors of child well-being not accounted for in these analyses.
This study may inform family-level programing and policy that seeks to promote
well-being for children and their families.