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Osman L, Whitley J. Parent perceptions of social well-being in children with special educational needs during COVID-19: A mixed-methods analysis. Child Care Health Dev 2024; 50:e13256. [PMID: 38600787 DOI: 10.1111/cch.13256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children's educational experiences worldwide have been significantly impacted as a result of global school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic of Spring 2020. A growing number of studies aim to analyse impacts of these changes on social well-being, with limited studies placing an emphasis on the experiences of students with special educational needs (SENs). This article focusses on parent perspectives regarding impacts of school closures on social well-being in Canadian children with SEN. METHODS This study uses a mixed-methods approach, drawing from both qualitative and quantitative survey data from Spring/Summer 2020. Participants (n = 263) were eligible for participation if they were a parent/guardian of a child or adolescent with an SEN. We first conducted a descriptive analysis of the key variables, namely, social well-being, grade level of the child, internet and device availability, and the presence of other school-aged children in the home (single child vs. multiple children). Next, we explored the relationship between these using a bivariate correlation. Finally, open-ended responses were analysed using an inductive approach to qualitative thematic analysis. RESULTS The majority of parents expressed concern for their child's social well-being during the Spring 2020 school closures, with increased concerns for younger children. According to parents, children experienced communication barriers to peer interaction and many experienced emotional difficulties as a result. Technology was described as critical for some in maintaining social connections. Parents raised concerns about the impact of limited peer interaction on broader social skill development, in the short and long term. A small number of participants noted feelings of relief and reduced anxiety among their children with SEN. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight parent views of the negative impact of the pandemic on social well-being and the critical role in-person schooling plays in supporting peer relationships for children with SEN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila Osman
- Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jess Whitley
- Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Šalčiūnaitė-Nikonovė L, Žemaitaitytė M, Šmigelskas K. Exploring the Prevalence and Predictors of Anxiety among Lithuanian Adolescents during Times of Crisis: A Cross-Sectional Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 11:32. [PMID: 38255346 PMCID: PMC10814592 DOI: 10.3390/children11010032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Recent events in Europe, like the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 Russo-Ukrainian War (RUW), might have sparked anxiety among adolescents. This study aimed to compare anxiety levels in Lithuanian adolescents post-COVID-19 peak (Study 1, October 2021) and during the onset of the RUW (Study 2, April-June 2022). Data from 459 participants in Study 1 and 6637 in Study 2, aged 11-17, were collected through HBSC pilot and national surveys in Lithuania. Self-reported questionnaires assessed anxiety, social media use, stress, loneliness, self-efficacy, and peer support factors. Analysis was conducted using multivariable logistic regressions. Notably, anxiety prevalence in Lithuanian adolescents showed no significant difference between Study 1 and Study 2, stabilizing around 24%. In 2021, stress (OR = 5.89, 95% CI 3.11-11.17), problematic social media use (OR = 4.58, 95% CI 1.89-10.58), and female gender (OR = 2.87, 95% CI 1.58-5.22) significantly predicted anxiety. By 2022, stress (OR = 3.68, 95% CI 3.14-4.30), loneliness (OR = 2.85, 95% CI 2.43-3.35), and lower self-efficacy (OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.20-1.60) emerged as important predictors. This study enhances our understanding of adolescent anxiety during crises, emphasizing the urgency of addressing multiple factors to manage and support vulnerable youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Šalčiūnaitė-Nikonovė
- Health Research Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Health Psychology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Monika Žemaitaitytė
- Health Research Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Kastytis Šmigelskas
- Health Research Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Health Psychology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
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Doom JR, Deer LK, Dieujuste N, Han D, Rivera KM, Scott SR. Youth psychosocial resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 53:101656. [PMID: 37499532 PMCID: PMC10592273 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Globally, youth have experienced heightened levels of stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, though many youth showed resilience to mental health problems despite this increased stress. The current review covers emerging literature published in the past three years on resilience factors that promote more positive mental health in youth ages 10-18 years. These factors generally fall into three categories: 1) resilience factors at the level of the individual, 2) social resilience factors, and 3) interventions to enhance youth resilience during the pandemic. We include recommendations for future longitudinal research to better understand and promote resilience given the context of the pandemic, particularly for youth who experienced high levels of adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Deborah Han
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, USA
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4
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Branje S. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent mental health across the world. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 53:101665. [PMID: 37562339 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents has been substantial. The current review aimed to summarize the existing literature on the impact of the pandemic on mental health during adolescence, with a specific focus on longitudinal studies. The findings from these studies indicated that many adolescents experienced increased mental health problems, especially those who were already vulnerable prior to the pandemic. Several preexisting factors, such as socioeconomic background and gender, and pandemic-related factors, such as perceived stress and restrictive measures, were identified that contribute to interindividual differences in how adolescents were affected by the pandemic. However, it is crucial to interpret these changes in the context of the ongoing trend of increasing mental health problems among youth over the past decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Branje
- Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, the Netherlands.
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5
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Hamilton JL, Dreier MJ, Boyd SI. Social media as a bridge and a window: The changing relationship of adolescents with social media and digital platforms. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 52:101633. [PMID: 37454640 PMCID: PMC10526977 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Social media use became central to adolescents' lives and development during the COVID-19 pandemic, with some adolescents first initiating social media use in this period. The unique circumstances of the pandemic contributed to changing patterns of social media use among teens and popularity of features. The pandemic also facilitated use and engagement with social media to strengthen social connection, emerging identities, and access to information and resources. It also impacted teens' online experiences and exposure to broader societal problems on SM. Recent research, with a focus in the United States, is presented on how the pandemic has shaped adolescents' experiences with social media in meaningful ways across development. We argue that research on adolescent social media use needs to consider how the COVID-19 pandemic has shaped the use and influence of social media in adolescents today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Hamilton
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, United States.
| | - Melissa J Dreier
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, United States
| | - Simone I Boyd
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, United States
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Breaux R, Cash AR, Lewis J, Garcia KM, Dvorsky MR, Becker SP. Impacts of COVID-19 quarantine and isolation on adolescent social functioning. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 52:101613. [PMID: 37364468 PMCID: PMC10232930 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
This review discusses research conducted globally between March 2020 and March 2023 examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent social functioning, including their lifestyle, extracurricular activities, family environment, peer environment, and social skills. Research highlights the widespread impact, with largely negative effects. However, a handful of studies support improved quality of relationships for some young people. Study findings underscore the importance of technology for fostering social communication and connectedness during periods of isolation and quarantine. Most studies specifically examining social skills were cross-sectional and conducted in clinical populations, such as autistic or socially anxious youth. As such, it is critical that ongoing research examines the long-term social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and ways to promote meaningful social connectedness via virtual interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Breaux
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| | - Annah R Cash
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Jasmine Lewis
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Katelyn M Garcia
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Melissa R Dvorsky
- Division of Psychology and Behavioral Health, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, And Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Stephen P Becker
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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7
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Machlin L, McLaughlin KA. Pre-pandemic brain structure and function and adolescent psychopathology during the COVID-19 pandemic. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 52:101647. [PMID: 37429074 PMCID: PMC10414753 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges for youths and families, dramatically increasing exposure to stressors and stress-related psychopathology. Increasing work has leveraged pre-pandemic neuroimaging data to predict adolescent psychopathology and stress responses during the pandemic, with a particular focus on internalizing symptoms. We review this recent literature on pre-pandemic brain structure and function and adolescent internalizing psychopathology during the pandemic. At present, existing studies have not consistently identified specific alterations in brain structure and function that predict anxiety or depressive symptoms during the pandemic. In contrast, exposure to stress and adversity before and during the pandemic as well as access to peer and family support have emerged as consistent and reliable predictors of youth mental health during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Machlin
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, United States.
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Eboigbe LI, Simon CB, Wang YS, Tyrell FA. The compounded effect of the dual pandemic on ethnic-racial minority adolescents' mental health and psychosocial well-being. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 52:101626. [PMID: 37384949 PMCID: PMC10293782 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. youth faced various stressors that affected their schooling experiences, social relationships, family dynamics, and communities. These stressors negatively impacted youths' mental health. Compared to White youths, ethnic-racial minority youths were disproportionately affected by COVID-19-related health disparities and experienced elevated worry and stress. In particular, Black and Asian American youths faced the compounded effects of a dual pandemic due to their navigation of both COVID-19-related stressors and increased exposure to racial discrimination and racial injustice, which worsened their mental health outcomes. However, protective processes such as social support, ethnic-racial identity, and ethnic-racial socialization emerged as mechanisms that attenuated the effects of COVID-related stressors on ethnic-racial youths' mental health and promoted their positive adaptation and psychosocial well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loretta I Eboigbe
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States
| | - Carlisa B Simon
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States
| | - Yuqi S Wang
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States
| | - Fanita A Tyrell
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States.
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