Working with the cards we’re dealt: a longitudinal study exploring the impact of intersectional and systemic factors on family mental health. Evidence from Understanding Society: UKHLS

Despite it being acknowledged that family is important when thinking about psychological distress, there is limited research in this area, particularly when also thinking about intersectionality. A systematic review highlighted some important factors in relation to psychological distress; however, included literature was relatively weak. Subsequently this research aimed to explore factors influencing psychological distress pre and during the first COVID-19 lockdown, using a systemic theory and intersectionality lens. Data was extracted from the UK Household Longitudinal Study to reach these aims. Participants included families whereby one member had started experiencing psychological distress. Participants were grouped into offspring of distressed person, spouse of distressed person, and other family members. Regression analyses were carried out exploring the relationships between intersectionality variables from timepoint one, relational variables from timepoints three and four and psychological distress from timepoints five and six. Results indicated several factors related to psychological distress, which often differed for different family members. Several factors such as sex and age were found to interact with relational factors, indirectly affecting distress over time. Factors important to psychological distress changed at the start of the pandemic, especially with regards to the relational factors, suggesting that the pandemic was a destabilising event which disrupted the equilibrium of families. The results of this research offer support to intersectionality and systemic theory, particularly in relation to family systems theory, family life cycle, triangulation, and third order systemic thinking. Recommendations are made to mental health services and policy makers in how the evidence can be used to better support families. Further research is recommended to explore intersectionality of families in greater detail and gain more specific perspectives on psychological distress in families.