Responses in this category reflected challenges with online learning, preparing for standardized tests, focus, work ethic, and productivity. Adolescents reported challenges around issues of “too much homework” (participant 1,833), “trying to stay motivated with school” (participant 2011), and “time management” (participant 1,241). This category was most commonly endorsed by adolescents (23.7%).

Thematic Unit: Academics & Work Habits

This category referred to challenges related to mental health, including depression, loneliness, stress, and anxiety. This category was dimensional, ranging from mild symptoms of mental health disorders (e.g., boredom) to severe symptoms (e.g., can't get out of bed). A total of 14.8% of the units were assigned to this category. Adolescents reflected challenges of “feeling lonely” (participant 1,801), “I'm anxious” (participant 1,662), and “dealing with my mental health and the self-consciousness, anger, worry, and disappointment” (participant 1,199). Participants also stated mental health as a challenge broadly, such as “mental health is worse” (participant 1,304).

Thematic Unit: Mental Health

The physical health category included themes such as diet, exercise, somatic symptoms (e.g., headaches), and sleep. Challenges fell into this category 13.4% of the time. These challenges included comments such as “I'm also trying to eat healthy as much as possible.” (participant 1,899), “not doing my normal exercise (horseback riding)” (participant 1,681), and “getting good night's rest” (participant 1,035). Adolescents also reported challenges related to their health more broadly, such as “keeping my…physical health good” (participant 1,452) and “staying healthy” (participant 1,297).

Thematic Unit: Physical Health

The friend category (11.4% of units) includes friend conflict, missing friends, and not seeing friends. These units included responses such as “dealing with friends” (participant 1,037), “missing my friends” (participant 1,129), and “not seeing friends” (participant 1,131). Adolescents also reported challenges such as “fear of losing touch with friends” (participant 1,707).

Thematic Unit: Friends

Responses in this category included challenges related to family conflict, stressed family members, and family members being unsupportive. A total of 7.0% of challenges reported fell in this category. Responses included challenges such as “arguing with my parents” (participant 1,344), “dealing with frustrating siblings” (participant 1,123), and “not being able to see other family” (participant 2,077).

Thematic Unit: Family

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

The COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges for adolescents because of disruptions in both school and social life.

Psychological effects of Covid-19 on Adolescents

Scott, S. R., Rivera, K. M., Rushing, E., Manczak, E. M., Rozek, C. S., & Doom, J. R. (2021). “I Hate This”: A Qualitative Analysis of Adolescents' Self-Reported Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Adolescent Health, 68(2), 262-269. https://doi-org.proxy.lib.umich.edu/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.11.010

During the COVID-19 pandemic, adolescents are experiencing developmentally salient challenges, including lack of in-person schooling and peer interactions. Adolescents highly value peer connection and approval and are more likely to experience the onset of psychological disorders than during childhood. The researchers wanted to discover what adolescents view as their biggest challenges during school shutdowns.

Study Background

To explore variability in responses by different sociodemographic groups, they separated responses by the class year, gender, and race/ethnicity.

Results #2: Challenge categories by sociodemographic group

Results: Overall thematic categories

- Although e-learning platforms are well accepted, the results indicate that challenges related to academics and work habits are of highest concern. School officials should prioritize helping students successfully navigate remote education.

- Mental and physical health are challenging to navigate during isolation, and our results indicate adolescents are experiencing substantial hardship. Parents and school officials should ensure barriers to mental health care and ease of use are addressed. App-based psychosocial interventions may be helpful.

- Only 1.4% of all challenges reported involved concerns about contraction of or exposure to the virus itself. This is important to consider as the pandemic unfolds and more shutdown orders flux. Public health experts may consider educating adolescents with accurate information about how COVID-19 can affect them. 

- Generally, efforts should focus on helping adolescents cultivate academic skills needed during school closures, providing mental/physical health resources and helping them navigate peer relationships—especially given ongoing remote education and social distancing due to the pandemic.


Conclusion/Next Steps

In a 2021 study by Scott et al. on adolescents' challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers analyzed open-ended responses from a diverse group of high schoolers ($$N = 719$$) to the question: “What are your three biggest challenges right now?” The 30-minute survey also included instruments assessing physical and mental health symptoms. Using open and axial coding, they identified $$N = 1,902$$ thematic units ($$M = 2.64$$, $$SD = 0.701$$) across 14 categories, such as mental and physical health, family, academics, and socioeconomic issues.

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