School Students’ Concerns and Support after One Year of COVID-19 in Austria: A Qualitative Study Using Content Analysis

Abstract

Adolescents suffer severely from the psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using qualitative content analysis, this study examined open-ended responses to a survey on the mental health of school students in Austria in February 2021. A representative sample (n = 214) was drawn from a total survey sample of 3052 adolescents aged 14–20. The analysis revealed several areas of concern, including school-related concerns, concerns about restrictions, self-related concerns, and interpersonal problems. School-related concerns associated with distance learning were mentioned most frequently. Compared with research conducted at the beginning of the pandemic, it appeared that concerns about educational and professional futures increased. The analysis also indicated young people’s most important sources of support, such as social contacts, recreational activities, attitudes and abilities, distraction, and escape. Of concern is the proportion of young people citing maladaptive coping strategies and the reluctance to seek professional support. Ideas for practice-oriented measures were developed from the study results, such as embedding youth-led peer interventions in traditional mental health services.

Mental health in the Austrian general population during COVID-19: Cross-sectional study on the association with sociodemographic factors

“…For those who are still in education or transitioning to working life, the pandemic has led to an interruption of education and employment biographies ( 51 ). As the pandemic progresses and economic problems increase, studies reveal growing fears among young people regarding learning outcomes and prospects ( 52 , 53 ). Unemployment rates for young people under 25 in Austria were almost twice as high as in the general population in February 2022 ( 54 ).…”

Burdens of Apprentices Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic and How They Deal with Them: A Qualitative Study Using Content Analysis One-Year Post-Breakout

“…This highlights the significance of social life for apprentices. Qualitative research on the resources of similar-aged school students also showed that social contacts were reported as their main resource to deal with pandemic-related stressors [ 47 ]. In addition, peer relationships protect against psychological problems or help to cope with them better [ 48 , 49 ].…”

“…It was of further concern that despite the poor evidence on apprentices’ mental health [ 33 ], only a small proportion (2.64%) mentioned professional help, e.g., seeing a psychotherapist or psychologist, as a resource. Thus, even fewer apprentices seemed to seek professional help than the already low percentage (3.3%) of school students [ 47 ].…”

Assessment of the Long-Term Mental Health Effects on Austrian Students after COVID-19 Restrictions

“…While positive effects on family cohesion, personal growth, and sleep duration were discussed, these were mostly diminished by reduced coping opportunities, leading to a decline in well-being and mental health, increased feelings of loneliness, increased potential for family conflicts, and decreased school performance [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. A qualitative study of Austrian students using content analysis reported school-related concerns and concerns about restrictions as the most burdensome, while social and recreational activities were mentioned as the strongest protective sources [ 14 ].…”