Child and Adolescent Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Results of the Three-Wave Longitudinal COPSY Study

Kurzbeschreibung

Purpose: The pandemic and associated infection control measures are accompanied by severe restrictions in the lives of adolescents. The population-based longitudinal German COPSY study monitors changes in the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and mental health of children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic and identifies vulnerable groups. Methods: A nationwide, population-based survey was conducted in 05-06/2020 (Wave 1), 12/2020-01/2021 (Wave 2) and 09-10/2021 (Wave 3). In total, n = 2,097 children and adolescents aged 7 to 17 years and their parents were investigated using measures to assess HRQoL (KIDSCREEN-10), mental health problems (SDQ), anxiety (SCARED), depressive symptoms (PHQ-2) and psychosomatic complaints (HBSC-SCL). Conclusions: The prevalence of low HRQoL, mental health problems and anxiety has been elevated throughout the pandemic. Thus, mental health promotion, prevention and intervention strategies need to be implemented to support adolescents – particularly those at risk.

Schlagwörter

Deutschland, Gesundheitspsychologie, Eltern, Kinder- und Jugendalter allgemein

Quellenangabe

Ravens-Sieberer, Ulrike, Erhart, Michael, Devine, Janine, Gilbert, Martha, Reiss, Franziska, Barkmann, Claus, Siegel, Nico, Simon, Anja, Hurrelmann, Klaus, Schlack, Robert, Hölling, Heike, Wieler, Lothar H., Kaman, Anne (2022). Child and Adolescent Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Results of the Three-Wave Longitudinal COPSY Study.