Anxiety, sleep habits and executive function during the COVID-19 pandemic through parents’ perception: a longitudinal study

Abstract

The present study therefore aims to examine trait and state anxiety, sleep habits and executive functioning during 1 year and a half of the COVID-19 pandemic in children and adolescents through the lens of parents. Assessments were conducted at three different times: April 2020 (T1), October 2020 (T2) and October 2021 (T3). The main sample included 953 children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years, and scales were used to assess anxiety (STAIC), sleep habits (BEARS) and executive functioning (BRIEF-2). The results showed that 6 months after the outbreak of the pandemic, state and trait anxiety, sleep disturbances and executive dysfunctions increased significantly. One and a half year later, trait anxiety and sleep disturbances have been maintained, while state anxiety and executive dysfunction have decreased their scores obtaining scores similar to those of April 2020. In conclusion, there has been a further decrease in children and adolescents’ mental health since the beginning of the pandemic, and it seems to remain at the present time, such as trait anxiety as a part of the personality.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Development of Childrens Executive Functions Implications for School-Based Interventions

“…The main results showed that the rates of anxiety, sleeping habits, and executive functioning impairments in children and adolescents appear to have deteriorated over time [27]. In terms of EFs, results revealed a decline in global executive functioning as well as deteroration in emotional regulation, cognitive fl exibility, and planning and organizational skills [27]. Other authors have reported a worsening in executive and academic functioning during the COVID-19 confi nement period, which is consistent with these fi ndings [20,[52][53][54].…”

“…Stress aff ects the immune system, hormonal system and can raise the risk of neuro-infl ammation, increasing the possibility of damaging the CNS and altering cognitive functioning [1,26]. In line with this approach, there have been reports of an increase in attention and memory problems, increased irritability and alterations in Executive Functions (EFs) in children and adolescents [6,[9][10][11]27].…”

“…Child anxiety, stress and depression have been associated with executive dysfunctions [6,[9][10][11]27]. In the face of a crisis, it is probable that attentional and memory problems occur.…”

“…From April 2020 to October 2021, a study examined parents' perceptions of the presence of anxiety, sleep disorders, and executive dysfunction in 953 Spanish children and adolescents. The main results showed that the rates of anxiety, sleeping habits, and executive functioning impairments in children and adolescents appear to have deteriorated over time [27]. In terms of EFs, results revealed a decline in global executive functioning as well as deteroration in emotional regulation, cognitive fl exibility, and planning and organizational skills [27].…”

“…Few studies have analyzed factors associated with the pandemic that may impair child EFs. A research study found that state anxiety explained the decline in children and teenage executive functioning during pandemic [27]. More research is needed.…”