This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parental stress and child abuse potential. The research was conducted among 183 parents in the western United States, focusing on the relationships between demographic characteristics, COVID-19 risk factors, mental health risk factors, protective factors, parental perceived stress, and child abuse potential. Key findings include: 1. **COVID-19 Stressors**: Parents reported experiencing a significant number of stressors related to the pandemic, including changes in mood, general stress, physical health, relationships, and children's health and learning. 2. **Mental Health Risk Factors**: A majority of parents reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as poor sleep. 3. **Racial and Ethnic Differences**: Latinx parents reported the highest average number of COVID-19-related stressors compared to Black/African American and non-Latinx White parents. 4. **Protective Factors**: Perceived control over the pandemic and parental support were found to mitigate perceived stress and child abuse potential. 5. **Correlates of Perceived Stress and Child Abuse Potential**: Cumulative stressors from COVID-19, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were positively associated with perceived stress. Parental support and perceived control were negatively associated with perceived stress and child abuse potential. 6. **Qualitative Findings**: Participants reported various stressors, including financial difficulties, uncertainty, social isolation, relationship issues, and poor mental and physical health. Some parents also noted positive changes, such as more time with children. The study highlights the importance of addressing stress and providing support to families during the pandemic to mitigate the risk of child maltreatment. However, the sample size and racial/ethnic composition limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research should use standardized measures and include more diverse samples to further validate these findings.This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parental stress and child abuse potential. The research was conducted among 183 parents in the western United States, focusing on the relationships between demographic characteristics, COVID-19 risk factors, mental health risk factors, protective factors, parental perceived stress, and child abuse potential. Key findings include: 1. **COVID-19 Stressors**: Parents reported experiencing a significant number of stressors related to the pandemic, including changes in mood, general stress, physical health, relationships, and children's health and learning. 2. **Mental Health Risk Factors**: A majority of parents reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as poor sleep. 3. **Racial and Ethnic Differences**: Latinx parents reported the highest average number of COVID-19-related stressors compared to Black/African American and non-Latinx White parents. 4. **Protective Factors**: Perceived control over the pandemic and parental support were found to mitigate perceived stress and child abuse potential. 5. **Correlates of Perceived Stress and Child Abuse Potential**: Cumulative stressors from COVID-19, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were positively associated with perceived stress. Parental support and perceived control were negatively associated with perceived stress and child abuse potential. 6. **Qualitative Findings**: Participants reported various stressors, including financial difficulties, uncertainty, social isolation, relationship issues, and poor mental and physical health. Some parents also noted positive changes, such as more time with children. The study highlights the importance of addressing stress and providing support to families during the pandemic to mitigate the risk of child maltreatment. However, the sample size and racial/ethnic composition limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research should use standardized measures and include more diverse samples to further validate these findings.