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Longitudinal Change in Adolescent Depression and Anxiety Symptoms from before to during the COVID ‐19 Pandemic
Author(s) -
Barendse Marjolein E.A.,
Flannery Jessica,
Cavanagh Caitlin,
Aristizabal Melissa,
Becker Stephen P.,
Berger Estelle,
Breaux Rosanna,
CampioneBarr Nicole,
Church Jessica A.,
Crone Eveline A.,
Dahl Ronald E.,
DennisTiwary Tracy A.,
Dvorsky Melissa R.,
Dziura Sarah L.,
van de Groep Suzanne,
Ho Tiffany C.,
Killoren Sarah E.,
Langberg Joshua M.,
Larguinho Tyler L.,
MagisWeinberg Lucía,
Michalska Kalina J.,
Mullins Jordan L.,
Nadel Hanna,
Porter Blaire M.,
Prinstein Mitchell J.,
Redcay Elizabeth,
Rose Amanda J.,
Rote Wendy M.,
Roy Amy K.,
Sweijen Sophie W.,
Telzer Eva H.,
Teresi Giana I.,
Thomas April Gile,
Pfeifer Jennifer H.
Publication year - 2023
Publication title -
journal of research on adolescence
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.342
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1532-7795
pISSN - 1050-8392
DOI - 10.1111/jora.12781
Subject(s) - anxiety , depression (economics) , pandemic , mental health , covid-19 , psychology , ethnic group , longitudinal study , government (linguistics) , psychiatry , clinical psychology , medicine , disease , political science , linguistics , philosophy , pathology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , law , economics , macroeconomics
This study aimed to examine changes in depression and anxiety symptoms from before to during the first 6 months of the COVID‐19 pandemic in a sample of 1,339 adolescents (9–18 years old, 59% female) from three countries. We also examined if age, race/ethnicity, disease burden, or strictness of government restrictions moderated change in symptoms. Data from 12 longitudinal studies (10 U.S., 1 Netherlands, 1 Peru) were combined. Linear mixed effect models showed that depression, but not anxiety, symptoms increased significantly (median increase = 28%). The most negative mental health impacts were reported by multiracial adolescents and those under ‘lockdown’ restrictions. Policy makers need to consider these impacts by investing in ways to support adolescents’ mental health during the pandemic.