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12 pages, 282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evolution of Child and Youth Mental Health in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Analysis

by Arancha Bernal-Jiménez, Xosé Ramón García-Soto, Sara Calvo-Simal, Yolanda Álvarez-Férnandez, Rocío Gordo-Seco, M. Rosario Hernando-Segura, Ángela Osorio-Guzmán, Ana Gentil-Gutiérrez, Jessica Fernández-Solana, Jerónimo Javier González-Bernal and Josefa González-Santos

Children 2024, 11(6), 660; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11060660 - 28 May 2024

Viewed by 1265

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic generated uncertainty and disruption among the child and adolescent population. Multiple studies have documented a worsening of mental health following the pandemic. The main objective of this longitudinal study is to analyze the short-, medium-, and long-term evolution of [...] Read more.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic generated uncertainty and disruption among the child and adolescent population. Multiple studies have documented a worsening of mental health following the pandemic. The main objective of this longitudinal study is to analyze the short-, medium-, and long-term evolution of the overall functioning of children and adolescents treated by a child and adolescent mental health team in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: 420 patients aged 3 to 18 were assessed using the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale at three time points: during the lockdown, three months later, and three years later. Differences based on gender, diagnosis, and time were analyzed. Results: A significant improvement was observed in the short-term (three months) and long-term (three years) compared to the lockdown period. This improvement was maintained in all diagnostic subgroups except for mixed cases (severe mental pathology), which showed the least improvement. No significant differences were found between males and females. Conclusions: The child and adolescent population showed a greater capacity for adaptation to the lockdown than expected. Family support, decreased stress, and therapeutic intervention appear to have played an important role in improving mental health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of COVID-19 on Youth Mental Health)

12 pages, 272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adolescents’ Online Connections with Friends during COVID-19: An Assessment of the Forms of Communication and Their Association with Emotional Adjustment

by Allie M. Spiekerman, Yue Guo, Jessica Payton, Nicole Campione-Barr, Sarah E. Killoren, Wendy M. Rote and Amanda J. Rose

Children 2023, 10(8), 1281; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10081281 - 26 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1722

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home orders limited adolescents’ ability to connect with friends in person, leading adolescents to rely on digital forms of communication to interact with friends. The present study (N = 168 adolescents ages 11–20, 51.40% female) examined the [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home orders limited adolescents’ ability to connect with friends in person, leading adolescents to rely on digital forms of communication to interact with friends. The present study (N = 168 adolescents ages 11–20, 51.40% female) examined the types of digital communication adolescents used to connect with friends during the pandemic stay-at-home orders and how each form of digital communication related to adolescents’ emotional adjustment. The results showed texting to be the most common way adolescents connected with friends. Boys were more likely than girls to talk with friends through social gaming. Synchronous forms of communication (i.e., texting, video calls, and social gaming) were associated with reduced loneliness and depressive symptoms and higher flourishing. Connecting with friends by posting or responding on social media was not associated with adolescent well-being. These results suggest that forms of digital communication that allowed adolescents to talk with friends in real time were particularly important for adolescents’ emotional well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of COVID-19 on Youth Mental Health)

15 pages, 3318 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Behavioral and Sleep Disorders in Children and Adolescents following COVID-19 Disease: A Case-Control Study

by Michele Miraglia del Giudice, Angela Klain, Giulio Dinardo, Elisabetta D’Addio, Chiara Lucia Bencivenga, Cristina Fontanella, Fabio Decimo, Giuseppina Rosaria Umano, Margherita Siciliano, Marco Carotenuto and Cristiana Indolfi

Children 2023, 10(7), 1189; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10071189 - 10 Jul 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1976

Abstract

Introduction: Recent studies show that neuropsychiatric disorders are the most frequent sequelae of COVID-19 in children. Purpose: Our work aimed to evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on behavior and sleep in children and adolescents. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 107 patients aged [...] Read more.

Introduction: Recent studies show that neuropsychiatric disorders are the most frequent sequelae of COVID-19 in children. Purpose: Our work aimed to evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on behavior and sleep in children and adolescents. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 107 patients aged 1.5–18 years who contracted COVID-19 between one year and one month prior to data collection, referred to the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in Italy. We asked their parents to complete two standardized questionnaires for the assessment of behavior (Child Behavior CheckList (CBCL)) and sleep (Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SLDS)). We analysed and compared the results with a control group (pre-COVID-19 pandemic). Results: In the COVID-19 group, the major results were found for sleep breathing disorders, sleep–wake transition disorders and disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep for the SDSC questionnaire, and internalizing scale, total scale and anxiety/depression for the CBCL questionnaire. The comparison of the CBCL results of the cases with the controls revealed statistically significant differences for the following items: internalizing scale, externalizing scale, somatic complaints, total score, thought problems [(p < 0.01)], anxious/depressed problems and withdrawn [(p < 0.001)]. Conclusions: COVID-19 has impacted children’s and adolescents’ mental health. Adolescents were the most affected patient group for internalizing problems, including anxiety and depression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of COVID-19 on Youth Mental Health)

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15 pages, 324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Has Anything Changed in the Frequency of Emergency Department Visits and the Profile of the Adolescent Seeking Emergency Mental Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic?

by Valentina Ferro, Roberto Averna, Manuel Murciano, Umberto Raucci, Sebastian Cristaldi, Anna Maria Caterina Musolino, Maria Pontillo, Nicoletta Della Vecchia, Milena Labonia, Mara Pisani, Maria Laura Pucciarini, Raffaella Nacca, Antonino Reale, Stefano Vicari, Alberto Villani and Massimiliano Raponi

Children 2023, 10(3), 578; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10030578 - 17 Mar 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2283

Abstract

We described changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the frequency of Emergency Department (ED) visits for mental health disorders (MHDs) in adolescents on a wider temporal range—that is, not just “the waves” of the pandemic—and characterized the profile of the adolescent seeking [...] Read more.

We described changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the frequency of Emergency Department (ED) visits for mental health disorders (MHDs) in adolescents on a wider temporal range—that is, not just “the waves” of the pandemic—and characterized the profile of the adolescent seeking emergency psychiatric care. We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study by analyzing ED visits for MHDs from 10 March 2019 to 10 March 2021. A total of 1407 ED visits for MHDs were registered: 702 in the pre-COVID-19 and 707 in the COVID-19 period. The cumulative incidence of ED visits for MHDs was 1.22% in the pre-COVID-19 period and 1.77% in the COVID-19 period, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). The principal characteristics of the adolescent with MHDs during the pandemic period: the odds of comorbidities decreased by 26% (p = 0.02), and the odds of transfer from other hospitals decreased by 71% (p < 0.001), while the odds of the ED presentation as first psychiatric episode were twice greater (p < 0.001). The risk of hospitalization increased by 54% (p = 0.001). Regarding psychopathology, the likelihood of attempted suicide increased by 74% during the pandemic (p = 0.02). The rate of mood and eating disorders grew significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic period (p = 0.005 and p = 0.031, respectively). Monitoring ED visits for MHDs and understanding changes in the profile of adolescents presenting to ED helps to reinforce the role of ED in identifying special clinical needs for these vulnerable patients in case of a future public health crisis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of COVID-19 on Youth Mental Health)

10 pages, 291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How COVID-19 Phases Have Impacted Psychiatric Risk: A Retrospective Study in an Emergency Care Unit for Adolescents

by Maria Mucci, Francesca Lenzi, Giulia Maria D'Acunto, Marisa Gazzillo, Ilaria Accorinti, Silvia Boldrini, Giacomo Distefano, Francesca Falcone, Beatrice Fossati, Roberto Giurdanella Annina, Silvia Paese, Carmen Salluce, Irene Troiano, Cinzia Fratoni, Deborah Fabiani, Francesca Liboni and Gabriele Masi

Children 2022, 9(12), 1921; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9121921 - 8 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2044

Abstract

Dramatic events during the COVID-19 pandemic have acutely impacted the psychosocial environment worldwide, with negative implications for mental health, particularly for more vulnerable children and adolescents with severe psychiatric illnesses. Some data suggest that the pandemic waves may have produced different psychopathological consequences, [...] Read more.

Dramatic events during the COVID-19 pandemic have acutely impacted the psychosocial environment worldwide, with negative implications for mental health, particularly for more vulnerable children and adolescents with severe psychiatric illnesses. Some data suggest that the pandemic waves may have produced different psychopathological consequences, further worsening in the second phase of the pandemic, compared to those in the first lockdown, soon after March 2020. To test the hypothesis of a further worsening of psychiatric consequences of COVID-19 in the second lockdown compared to the first lockdown, we focused our analysis on a consecutive sample of youth referred to a psychiatric emergency unit for acute mental disorders in the time period between March 2019–March 2021. The sample, consisting of 241 subjects (123 males and 118 females, ranging in age from 11 to 17 years), was divided into three groups: Pre-Lockdown Group (PLG, 115 patients); First Lockdown Group (FLG, 65 patients); and Second Lockdown Group (SLG, 61 patients). Patients in the SLG presented more frequently with non-suicidal self-injuries (NSSIs), suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior, while no significant differences in self-harm were found between PLG and FLG. Eating disorders were more frequent in both the FLG and SLG, compared to the PLG, while sleep problems were higher only in the SLG. Furthermore, patients in the SLG presented with more frequent psychological maltreatments and neglect, as well as with psychiatric disorders in the parents. Adverse traumatic experiences and internalizing disorders were significantly associated with an increased risk of suicidality. Intellectual disability was less represented from the PLG to SLG, and similarly, the rate of ADHD was lower in the SLG. No differences were found for the other psychiatric diagnoses. This information may be helpful for a better understanding and management of adolescents with severe emotional and behavioral disorders after the exposure to long-lasting collective traumas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of COVID-19 on Youth Mental Health)

19 pages, 1288 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Problematic Internet Use among Adolescents 18 Months after the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Frank W. Paulus, Jens Joas, Ida Gerstner, Anna Kühn, Markus Wenning, Thomas Gehrke, Holger Burckhart, Ulf Richter, Alexandra Nonnenmacher, Michael Zemlin, Thomas Lücke, Folke Brinkmann, Tobias Rothoeft, Thorsten Lehr and Eva Möhler

Children 2022, 9(11), 1724; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9111724 - 10 Nov 2022

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4942

Abstract

Studies in recent years and especially since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic have shown a significant increase in the problematic use of computer games and social media. Adolescents having difficulties in regulating their unpleasant emotions are especially prone to Problematic Internet Use [...] Read more.

Studies in recent years and especially since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic have shown a significant increase in the problematic use of computer games and social media. Adolescents having difficulties in regulating their unpleasant emotions are especially prone to Problematic Internet Use (PIU), which is why emotion dysregulation has been considered a risk factor for PIU. The aim of the present study was to assess problematic internet use (PIU) in adolescents after the third wave (nearly 1.5 years after the onset in Europe) of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the German region of Siegen-Wittgenstein, all students 12 years and older from secondary-level schools, vocational schools and universities were offered a prioritized vaccination in August 2021 with an approved vaccine against COVID-19. In this context, the participants filled out the Short Compulsive Internet Use Scale (SCIUS) and two additional items to capture a possible change in digital media usage time and regulation of negative affect due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A multiple regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of PIU. The original sample consisted of 1477 participants, and after excluding invalid cases the final sample size amounted to 1268 adolescents aged 12–17 (x = 14.37 years, SD = 1.64). The average prevalence of PIU was 43.69%. Gender, age, digital media usage time and the intensity of negative emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic were all found to be significant predictors of PIU: female gender, increasing age, longer digital media usage time and higher intensity of negative emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with higher SCIUS total scores. This study found a very high prevalence of PIU among 12- to 17-year-olds for the period after the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has increased significantly compared to pre-pandemic prevalence rates. PIU is emerging as a serious problem among young people in the pandemic. Besides gender and age, pandemic-associated time of digital media use and emotion regulation have an impact on PIU, which provides starting points for preventive interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of COVID-19 on Youth Mental Health)

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14 pages, 1344 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceived Psychological Impact on Children and Parents of Experiencing COVID-19 Infection in One or More Family Members

by Paola Costenaro, Costanza Di Chiara, Valentina Boscolo, Alessia Barbieri, Alice Tomasello, Anna Cantarutti, Sandra Cozzani, Cecilia Liberati, Serenella Oletto, Carlo Giaquinto and Daniele Donà

Children 2022, 9(9), 1370; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9091370 - 10 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2215

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 infection may impair behavior and mental health; we explored the psychological impact on parents and children who experienced COVID-19 within their families. A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted on families attending the COVID-19 Follow-up Clinic at the Department for Women’s and Children’s [...] Read more.

SARS-CoV-2 infection may impair behavior and mental health; we explored the psychological impact on parents and children who experienced COVID-19 within their families. A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted on families attending the COVID-19 Follow-up Clinic at the Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, Padua (Italy). From April 2020 to August 2021, 75 surveys were collected from 66 families (97 parents and 129 children); almost 70% of participants had COVID-19, mostly asymptomatic/mildly symptomatic, and the median time from infection to survey compilation was 164.7 days (SD 56). Most parents (>87%) reported positive relationships with family members either before, during, or after COVID-19. More than one-third of children and adolescents were unable to adapt to isolation. Among 31 pre-school children with a median age of 3 (SD 1.7), a change of one or more functions was reported for 74.2% of cases irrespective of COVID-19 status, particularly a change in circadian rhythm (25%), in relationship with parents (42.8%), and poor emotional control (36%). Among 74 children with a median age of 10.9 years (SD 2.7), 8.1% had a score indicating a disease; however, significant impairment in attention was reported for 16.7%, along with anxiety/depression and problems with conduct in 5.6% and 6.5% of cases, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of COVID-19 on Youth Mental Health)

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13 pages, 599 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Association between Sleep Quality and Depression Symptoms in Chinese College Students during the COVID-19 Lockdown Period

by Cunjian Bi, Hongniu Lin, Jie Zhang and Zhimin Zhao

Children 2022, 9(8), 1237; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9081237 - 16 Aug 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2434

Abstract

Background: The outbreak of COVID-19 has seriously threatened the health of people around the world. To prevent the spread of the epidemic, Chinese universities have implemented closed management of campuses. The implementation of restrictive measures has gradually caused changes in the quality of [...] Read more.

Background: The outbreak of COVID-19 has seriously threatened the health of people around the world. To prevent the spread of the epidemic, Chinese universities have implemented closed management of campuses. The implementation of restrictive measures has gradually caused changes in the quality of sleep and the psychological state of college students. In addition, college students are faced with the dual pressure of employment and study, and the psychological pressure is huge. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate sleep and depressive symptoms among college students. Methods: Using the method of stratified cluster sampling, 6695 college students were selected from three universities in Jiangxi, Anhui, and Xinjiang provinces from April to May 2022. The Chinese version of the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and the self-rating depression scale (SDS) were used for the survey. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the PSQI and the SDS. Results: Overall, during the outbreak of COVID-19, 69.0% of males and 73.5% of females had poor sleep quality among Chinese college students and the detection rate of depressive symptoms was 43.6% for males and 47.8% for females, respectively. Taking students with good sleep quality as references, after controlling for covariates, hierarchical logistic regression shows that Chinese college students with poor sleep quality have a higher OR value (OR = 12.0, 95%CI: 10.2~14.1, p < 0.001), especially in males (OR = 43.8, 95%CI:30.2~63.6, p < 0.001). For both males and females, the OR value of college students with the following characteristics was higher: rural college students (males, OR = 50.32, 95%CI: 32.50–77.93; females, OR = 8.03, 95%CI: 6.45–9.99), overweight college students (males, OR = 62.17, 95%CI: 19.47–198.53; females, OR = 16.67, 95%CI: 6.48–42.88), and college students drinking sugar-sweetened beverages (males, OR = 59.00, 95%CI: 36.96–94.18; females, OR = 8.16, 95%CI: 6.63–10.05) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Poor sleep quality is associated with depressive symptoms among Chinese college students, especially college males. Our research suggests that it is necessary to consider the improvement of sleep quality and depressive symptoms among college students during the COVID-19 epidemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of COVID-19 on Youth Mental Health)

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10 pages, 1517 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Children Visiting Emergency Department for Mental Illness: A Multicenter Database Analysis from Korea

by Woori Bae, Arum Choi, Seonjeong Byun, Kyunghoon Kim and Sukil Kim

Children 2022, 9(8), 1208; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9081208 - 11 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1620

Abstract

We aimed to identify changes in the proportion of pediatric emergency department (PED) visits due to mental illness during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This was a retrospective observational study of visits to the PED at six university hospitals from January 2017 [...] Read more.

We aimed to identify changes in the proportion of pediatric emergency department (PED) visits due to mental illness during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This was a retrospective observational study of visits to the PED at six university hospitals from January 2017 to December 2020. We included children aged 5–17 years who were diagnosed with a mental illness. We used segmented regression analysis to identify the change in the proportion of patients with mental illness. A total of 845 patients were included in the analysis. After the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Korea, the number of PED visits significantly decreased by 560.8 patients per week (95% confidence interval (CI): −665.3 to −456.3, p < 0.001). However, the proportion of patients with mental illness increased significantly, by 0.37% per week (95% CI: 0.04% to 0.70%, p = 0.03), at this time point. Subgroup analyses revealed that emotional disorders significantly increased by 0.06% per month (95% CI: 0.02% to 0.09%, p < 0.001) during the pandemic. Our study revealed that an increased proportion of patients with mental illness visited the PED during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we identified that the proportion of emotional disorders continues to rise during this pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of COVID-19 on Youth Mental Health)

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15 pages, 509 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pediatric Primary Care Perspectives of Mental Health Services Delivery during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Chuan Mei Lee, Jessica Lutz, Allyson Khau, Brendon Lin, Nathan Phillip, Sara Ackerman, Petra Steinbuchel and Christina Mangurian

Children 2022, 9(8), 1167; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9081167 - 3 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2366

Abstract

Due to a national shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists, pediatric primary care providers (PCPs) are often responsible for the screening, evaluation, and treatment of mental health disorders. COVID-19 pandemic stay-at-home orders decreased access to mental health care and increased behavioral and emotional [...] Read more.

Due to a national shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists, pediatric primary care providers (PCPs) are often responsible for the screening, evaluation, and treatment of mental health disorders. COVID-19 pandemic stay-at-home orders decreased access to mental health care and increased behavioral and emotional difficulties in children and adolescents. Despite increased demand upon clinicians, little is known about mental health care delivery in the pediatric primary care setting during the pandemic. This focus group study explored the experiences of pediatric PCPs and clinical staff delivering mental health care during the pandemic. Transcripts from nine focus groups with San Francisco Bay Area primary care practices between April and August 2020 were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Providers expressed challenges at the patient-, provider-, and system-levels. Many providers reported increased patient mental health symptomatology during the pandemic, which was often intertwined with patients’ social determinants of health. Clinicians discussed the burden of the pandemic their own wellness, and how the rapid shift to telehealth primary care and mental health services seemed to hinder the availability and effectiveness of many resources. The findings from this study can inform the creation of new supports for PCPs and clinical staff providing mental health care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of COVID-19 on Youth Mental Health)

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13 pages, 294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Lockdown Impact on the Relations between Portuguese Parents and Their 1- to 3-Year-Old Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Frederica Vian, Rita Amaro, Sofia Vaz Pinto, Henrique de Brito, Raissa Rodrigues, Rita Rapazote, Pedro Caldeira da Silva, Marta Alves and Ana Luisa Papoila

Children 2022, 9(8), 1124; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9081124 - 28 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1900

Abstract

Many countries have applied mandatory confinement measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as school and kindergarten closures, which confined families to their homes. The study concerns the impacts of the first COVID-19 lockdown on the relationships between Portuguese parents and their [...] Read more.

Many countries have applied mandatory confinement measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as school and kindergarten closures, which confined families to their homes. The study concerns the impacts of the first COVID-19 lockdown on the relationships between Portuguese parents and their children, in a non-clinical population composed of fathers and mothers of children between the ages of 12 months and 3 years and 364 days. An online questionnaire (set by the research team) and the Parenting Daily Hassles Scale (PDHS) concerning the confinement period were applied between 17 June and 29 July 2020. To assess the impacts of the lockdown, outcomes regarding the impacts perceived by the parents, the potential regression in the development of children, and the willingness to promote changes in family routines in the future, were considered. Of the total sample (n = 1885), 95.4% of the parents (n = 1798) said that, after confinement, the relationship with their children had improved or remained similar to the pre-confinement period; 97.3% (n = 1835) noticed positive changes in the development of their children, and 63.7% (n = 1200) noted that the relationships with their children during the confinement period would lead to some changes in family routines in the future. Multivariate regression analyses showed that most of the sociodemographic variables chosen were not associated with the outcomes. However, significant levels of pressure over parenting and parental overload (reported by high scores in the PDHS intensity and frequency scales), challenging behaviors of the children, and the impacts they had on parental tasks had negative influences on the studied outcomes. On the contrary, the number of adults living with their children, the perceptions regarding the development of their children, and sharing new experiences with them were significant factors for positively-perceived impacts on the relationships between them or in the desire to bring about changes in family routines in the future. The impacts of the lockdown on the relationships between parents and children aged between 1 and 3 years old were more dependent on relational aspects and on the parents’ sense of competence in exercising parental functions. We conclude that, despite the increased demands imposed by the lockdown, nearly all of the parents evaluated the quality of the relationship with their children as positive after this period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of COVID-19 on Youth Mental Health)

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31 pages, 575 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceSystematic Review

Loneliness and Well-Being in Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review

by Ann H. Farrell, Irene Vitoroulis, Mollie Eriksson and Tracy Vaillancourt

Children 2023, 10(2), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10020279 - 31 Jan 2023

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 9192

Abstract

Concerns have been raised about the loneliness and well-being of children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The extent to which the ongoing pandemic has impacted loneliness and the association between loneliness and well-being is unclear. Therefore, a systematic review of empirical studies [...] Read more.

Concerns have been raised about the loneliness and well-being of children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The extent to which the ongoing pandemic has impacted loneliness and the association between loneliness and well-being is unclear. Therefore, a systematic review of empirical studies on the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted to examine the (1) prevalence of loneliness in children and adolescents, (2) associations between loneliness and indicators of well-being, and (3) moderators of these associations. Five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, Web of Science, ERIC) were searched from 1 January 2020 to 28 June 2022 and 41 studies met our inclusion criteria (cross-sectional: n = 30; longitudinal: n = 11; registered on PROSPERO: CRD42022337252). Cross-sectional prevalence rates of pandemic loneliness varied, with some finding that over half of children and adolescents experienced at least moderate levels of loneliness. Longitudinal results reflected significant mean increases in loneliness compared to pre-pandemic levels. Cross-sectional results indicated that higher levels of loneliness were significantly associated with poorer well-being, including higher depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, gaming addiction, and sleep problems. Longitudinal associations between loneliness and well-being were more complex than cross-sectional associations, varying by assessment timing and factors in the statistical analyses. There was limited diversity in study designs and samples, preventing a thorough examination of moderating characteristics. Findings highlight a broader challenge with child and adolescent well-being that predates the pandemic and the need for future research to examine underrepresented populations across multiple timepoints. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of COVID-19 on Youth Mental Health)

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13 pages, 446 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Relationship between Internet Addiction, Personality Factors, and Emotional Distress among Adolescents in Malaysia

by Soh Chou Fu, Nicholas Tze Ping Pang and Walton Wider

Children 2022, 9(12), 1883; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9121883 - 1 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3661

Abstract

COVID-19 has significantly affected the mental health of adolescents, thus increasing the emotional distress among them. Studies have reported that heavy Internet use during COVID-19 was linked with poor mental health among adolescents. Additionally, it was found that personality factors are linked with [...] Read more.

COVID-19 has significantly affected the mental health of adolescents, thus increasing the emotional distress among them. Studies have reported that heavy Internet use during COVID-19 was linked with poor mental health among adolescents. Additionally, it was found that personality factors are linked with mental health in general. Although past literature has reported the effect of personality factors on mental health, there are limited studies examining the underlying mechanisms among Malaysian adolescents. Therefore, the current study offers an understanding of the intervening role of personality factors in the relationship between Internet addiction and emotional distress among adolescents in Malaysia. This study also aimed to determine the prevalence of Internet addiction and emotional distress (depression, stress, and anxiety) among adolescents in Malaysia. There are a total of 500 participants from 7 secondary schools who range from 13 to 19 years of age. This was a cross-sectional study, and 3 valid questionnaires were used: The Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI). Partial least square structure equation modelling (SmartPLS) was used to analyse the mediation models. The results showed that the prevalence of Internet addiction among adolescents was 29.6% and the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among adolescents were 64.8%, 78%, and 51.4%, respectively. Furthermore, mediation analysis showed only emotional stability mediated the relationship between Internet addiction and emotional distress, but not openness to experience, extraversion, conscientiousness, or agreeableness. It is proposed that mental health providers should focus on providing emotion-related interventions to adolescents confronting COVID-19 challenges, ultimately improving mental health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of COVID-19 on Youth Mental Health)

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