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A Qualitative Study of Child and Adolescent Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ireland

Author

Listed:
  • Katriona O’Sullivan

    (Department of Psychology, The National University of Ireland, Maynooth W23 F2H, Ireland)

  • Serena Clark

    (Department of Psychology, The National University of Ireland, Maynooth W23 F2H, Ireland)

  • Amy McGrane

    (Department of Psychology, The National University of Ireland, Maynooth W23 F2H, Ireland)

  • Nicole Rock

    (Department of Psychology, The National University of Ireland, Maynooth W23 F2H, Ireland)

  • Lydia Burke

    (Department of Psychology, The National University of Ireland, Maynooth W23 F2H, Ireland)

  • Neasa Boyle

    (Department of Psychology, The National University of Ireland, Maynooth W23 F2H, Ireland)

  • Natasha Joksimovic

    (Department of Psychology, The National University of Ireland, Maynooth W23 F2H, Ireland)

  • Kevin Marshall

    (Department of Psychology, The National University of Ireland, Maynooth W23 F2H, Ireland)

Abstract

Mitigating the adverse physical health risks associated with COVID-19 has been a priority of public health incentives. Less attention has been placed on understanding the psychological factors related to the global pandemic, especially among vulnerable populations. This qualitative study sought to understand the experiences of children and adolescents during COVID-19. This study interviewed 48 families during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, and a national lockdown, to understand its impacts. The study used an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology. Parents and children discussed the negative impact of the restrictions on young people’s wellbeing. Children and adolescents experienced adverse mental health effects, including feelings of social isolation, depression, anxiety, and increases in maladaptive behaviour. Families with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders reported increased mental health difficulties during this period mostly due to changes to routine. The findings highlight the impact of severe restrictions on vulnerable populations’ wellbeing and mental health outcomes, including children, adolescents, and those with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Suggested Citation

  • Katriona O’Sullivan & Serena Clark & Amy McGrane & Nicole Rock & Lydia Burke & Neasa Boyle & Natasha Joksimovic & Kevin Marshall, 2021. "A Qualitative Study of Child and Adolescent Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ireland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-15, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:3:p:1062-:d:486828
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Finiki Nearchou & Clodagh Flinn & Rachel Niland & Sheena Siva Subramaniam & Eilis Hennessy, 2020. "Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health Outcomes in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-19, November.
    2. Daise Fernanda Santos Souza Escobar & Thais Ferreira de Jesus & Priscilla Rayanne e Silva Noll & Matias Noll, 2020. "Family and School Context: Effects on the Mental Health of Brazilian Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-13, August.
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    Cited by:

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    11. Katarína Polónyiová & Barbara Rašková & Daniela Ostatníková, 2022. "Changes in Mental Health during Three Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Slovakia: Neurotypical Children versus Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Parents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-11, September.
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    14. Tania Clarke & Ruth Platt, 2023. "Children’s Lived Experiences of Wellbeing at School in England: a Phenomenological Inquiry," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 16(3), pages 963-996, June.
    15. M. Siyabend Kaya & Ciara McCabe, 2022. "Effects of COVID-19 on Adolescent Mental Health and Internet Use by Ethnicity and Gender: A Mixed-Method Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-20, July.
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