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).

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Results: Overall thematic categories

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

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

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).

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