Global Journal of Medical Research, K: Interdisciplinary, Volume 22 Issue 3

The Psychological Effects of the Covid 19 Pandemic on Adolescents Kristel Ferrol α , Corrie Phillip σ , Rhinnata Williams ρ & Olugbenga Morebise Ѡ 41 Year 2022 Global Journal of Medical Research Volume XXII Issue III Version I ( D ) K © 2022 Global Journals Abstract- As of march 2022, the World health Organisation stated that the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an immense 25% increase in the global prevalence of anxiety and depression (WHO, 2022). It is important that precautions are taken to protect the mental health of individuals affected by the pandemic and more specifically the youth. This paper aims to investigate the psychological effects of the pandemic on adolescents and it also sheds light on the coping mechanisms used by these individuals. By integrating results from various research a general conclusion was made that the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the daily activities of adolescents, causing stress, depression, harmful lifestyle engagements and even self-injury. Keywords: Covid-19, adolescent, mental health, psychological effects, pandemic. I. I ntroduction he Covid-19 pandemic, which began in late 2019, has disrupted social, educational and economical structures among other areas of life as we know it. More specifically the pandemic is having adverse psychological effects on individuals of varying ages. Some of these effects include depression, anxiety, suicide ideation and greater levels of perceived stress. The purpose of our research is to explore these psychological/ mental health impacts on adolescents. This group was chosen as these individuals are prone to be affected by psychological trauma that may leave long lasting effects. These are critical developmental years for these individuals who are now experiencing many aspects of life virtually instead of face to face. The extents of mental health effects brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic vary among adolescents; therefore these effects are highlighted and analysed in this research study. Author α σ ρ : Medical Student, All Saints University School of Medicine, Dominica. e-mail: olugbenga.morebise@allsaintsuniversity.org Corresponding Author Ѡ : Professor, All Saints University School of Medicine, Dominica. • Identify the coping mechanisms utilised by the affected adolescents. • Identify the behavioural changes caused by the pandemic among adolescents. • Investigate the severity of effects of the pandemic on adolescents with pre-diagnosed mental health disorders. According to O’Sullivan et al. (2021), current research primarily and disproportionately focuses on Covid-19 and associated mental health effects on children and adolescents. They explain that although these children may not be direct victims of the virus itself, they are a vulnerable group and the effects of this pandemic may last a lifetime (UNSDG, 2020 as cited in O’Sullivan et al.,2021). The United Nations Sustainable Development Group reported that 94% of the school- going population were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, with 86% of children in primary education being completely out of school in lower developing countries. These children have not only been out of school, but they are also experiencing reduced face to face and social interactions through imposed lockdowns and stay-at-home quarantine. With all of these restrictions, little room is left for them to experience meaningful interactions except through virtual and online platforms. In the few studies that have been conducted, generally, it was found that the pandemic has negatively impacted the mental health of adolescents. Of these effects, increased levels of fear, anxiety and depression were observed in addition to increased suicide ideation (O’Sullivan et al., 2021; Cohen et al., 2021). These were all attributed to isolation /prolonged quarantine, decreased communication with peers and poor sleep (O’Sullivan et al., 2021; Cohen et al., 2021). Limitations of such studies revealed that: most interviewees were primarily college students, associations between and among variables could not be inferred (current studies are cross-sectional) and of the limited studies available, a few were not peer-reviewed (Elharake et al., 2022). It was also noted that many studies were dependent on the parents’ perception and interpretation of their children’s mental well-being and psychological state (Cohen et al., 2021). Moreover, the duration of currently available studies may not have provided ample time to assess changes in behaviours and mental state as they T Aim To review the psychological effects of the Covid 19 pandemic on Adolescents. Objectives The objectives of this research are to: • Identify the specific mental health effects of the pandemic on adolescents. II. L iterature R eview