The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to family dynamics, particularly in the context of shared meals. Research by the American Psychological Association reveals that families not only ate together more frequently during lockdowns but also experienced enhanced quality of time spent at the dinner table.

Published in the journal Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, the study indicates that increased family dinners led to more positive interactions, including sharing news and using technology like videoconferencing to connect with distant relatives. Anne Fishel, PhD, a lead author from Massachusetts General Hospital, emphasized the dual importance of frequency and quality in understanding how shared meals impact families.

The research analyzed data from a survey conducted in May 2021 with 517 diverse parents across the United States. Participants were questioned about dinner frequency, quality, and expectations post-pandemic. More than 60% reported eating together more often during the pandemic compared to before it. There was also a notable rise in positive interactions such as expressing gratitude and feeling connected.

"Specifically, 56% said they increased talking about their days during dinner, 60% said they increased talking about their identity as a family," Fishel noted. This trend spanned various demographics including income levels and race.

Families adapted to new dining practices by incorporating remote connections with extended family members and discussing current events at dinner. The use of videoconferencing allowed many to maintain bonds with extended family members remotely—a practice many intend to continue post-pandemic.

Additionally, integrating news into conversations provided children a safe space for discussion with parents. The study suggests these changes may have lasting positive effects on family relationships.

"The pandemic changed many aspects of our lives," Fishel remarked. "Even though parents did not purposely sign up to have more shared mealtimes, increases in family dinners were largely linked with improvements."

Overall, findings suggest potential benefits of using technology for connection and discussing current events during meals can enhance familial bonds and children's sense of belonging.

Fishel concluded that remote technology offers ongoing opportunities for bonding: "The continued use of remote technology...may bring ongoing opportunities for family bonding."

This article was co-authored by Anne Fishel, PhD, and Melinda I. Morrill, PhD from Massachusetts General Hospital.

Anne Fishel is available via email for further contact.