The psycho-social effects of COVID-19 on Italian adolescents’ attitudes and behaviors

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 is an emerging issue that has significant consequences on psycho-social well-being. Methods: In this regard, a survey was conducted on a large group of adolescents in Italy. The survey investigated four items: concerns and fears, information on the pandemic, provisions of public authorities (e.g., lockdown), and impact on everyday life. Results: Adolescents actively participated in the survey. COVID-19 affected emotions and lifestyle. COVID-19 influenced relationships with peers and parents. There were regional differences. Conclusions: The current research highlighted the remarkable, healthy, and certainly unexpected, emotional balance of the new generations in the face of a sudden, unpredictable phenomenon capable of jeopardizing life itself. While understanding the gravity of the phenomenon and willingly adapting to all the necessary precautions, the adolescents still seemed to express an excellent ability to manage situations of insecurity and to deal with unfavorable and adverse conditions by adapting to the new routine and finding alternative and innovative means of meeting their social and psychological needs.

Child Development During the COVID‐19 Pandemic Through a Life Course Theory Lens

“…Research on COVID‐19 published early in the course of the pandemic echoes these findings: Limited studies in China suggest heightened levels of psychological problems and PTSD symptoms for some school‐aged children, adolescents, and young adults (Liang et al, 2020; Xie et al, 2019; Zhou et al, 2020), and studies of North American 13‐ to 18‐year‐olds link certain motivations for pandemic‐related social distancing (e.g., avoiding illness and judgment, being told to do so by friends) to greater anxiety and depressive symptoms (Oosterhoff, Palmer, Wilson, & Shook, 2020). In the academic domain, research on a nationally representative sample of Italian adolescents identified youth’s fears for negative educational consequences related to the COVID‐19 pandemic (Buzzi et al, 2020). Potentially linked to timing with high school graduation and decisions around postsecondary pursuits, educational worries, along with depressive symptoms and anxiety, may be higher during the COVID‐19 pandemic for those in higher grade levels in both China and Italy (Buzzi et al, 2020; Zhou et al, 2020).…”

“…In the academic domain, research on a nationally representative sample of Italian adolescents identified youth’s fears for negative educational consequences related to the COVID‐19 pandemic (Buzzi et al, 2020). Potentially linked to timing with high school graduation and decisions around postsecondary pursuits, educational worries, along with depressive symptoms and anxiety, may be higher during the COVID‐19 pandemic for those in higher grade levels in both China and Italy (Buzzi et al, 2020; Zhou et al, 2020).…”

Consensus statement of the Italian society of pediatric allergy and immunology for the pragmatic management of children and adolescents with allergic or immunological diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Another study reported that adolescents were influenced by COVID-19 concerning emotional aspects [87].…”

Culture Shock, Adaptation, and Self-Concept of Tourism Human Resources in Welcoming the New Normal Era

“…People's life, psychologically and socio-economically, is changing as an adaptation to this pandemic. Young adults are the age group that is almost ready to change their lifestyle and daily habits and are willing to adopt health protocols to keep life as safe and comfortable as possible in these pandemic conditions (Buzzi et al, 2020). Young adults better understand the development of technology which plays an important role in every aspect of life during this pandemic, apart from that young adults are indeed at a creative and spirited stage in their lives.…”