Is the psychological impact of exposure to COVID-19 stronger in adolescents with pre-pandemic maltreatment experiences? A survey of rural Chinese adolescents

Abstract

Highlights A larger number of ACEs predict substantial higher levels of PTSS and anxiety. Experienced exposure and fear of exposure also predict more PTSS and anxiety. Childhood abuse and neglect may exacerbate the impact of exposure on mental health.

Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health in Adolescents: A Systematic Review

“…Of the 16 studies reviewed, 7 were conducted in China, 2 in the United States, 2 in Canada, and 1 each in Denmark, Germany, Japan, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom. All of the 16 studies utilized a quantitative methodology [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. Among the studies, 12 (75%) were conducted online and 4 (25%) did not clearly report the study format.…”

“…One study in China conducted by Duan et al [ 17 ] identified an association between depression and COVID-19 related addiction in using social media, such as smartphone addiction ( OR = 1.844, 95% CI : 1.29 to 2.811), and internet addiction ( OR = 3.107, 95% CI : 1.252 to 7.708). Guo et al [ 23 ] identified an association between COVID-19 related stress and depression ( β = 0.33, t = 11.49, p < 0.001). However, the study conducted by Chen et al in China [ 19 ] failed to establish a significant correlation between depression and COVID-19 related factors.…”

“…Adolescents diagnosed with anorexia nervosa reported 70% increases in poor eating habits and increases in thoughts associated with eating disorders [ 21 ]. Pre-pandemic maltreated adolescents experienced higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (effect size beta = 0.16~0.27) and higher rates of anxiety (effect size beta = 0.32~0.47) [ 23 ]. Of the two studies [ 24 , 26 ] that specifically evaluated seniors, both studies established associations between poor mental health outcomes, such as psychological issues and anxiety, and factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

“…As the non-special populations of adolescents experience mental health challenges, the special populations are experiencing a worsening of conditions, or experiences during the pandemic, which are a result of physical and psychologically COVID-19 related factors. These adolescents are forced to deal with unsupportive families due to sexual orientation, with the lack of social and medical support in connection to various pre-pandemic disorders, with an added stress concerning their futures, and with dealing with new and old stress from previous traumas [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 26 , 29 , 33 ]. These groups of adolescents have always experienced more challenges, but the pandemic has significantly affected the quality of life of these adolescents.…”

Positive and Negative Experiences of Living in COVID-19 Pandemic: Analysis of Italian Adolescents’ Narratives

“…Further studies could better investigate the autonomy issue related to COVID-19 emergency considering the role family and different parenting models can play. For instance, very few studies have investigated the role of pre-pandemic maltreatment experience (Guo et al, 2020) or other experience related to family environment. Our results suggest the duplex role of family and invite scholars and professionals to design specific intervention programs for adolescents with family vulnerability.…”