IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jijerp/v21y2024i5p636-d1396191.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Change, Adversity, and Adaptation: Young People’s Experience of the COVID-19 Pandemic Expressed through Artwork and Semi-Structured Interviews

Author

Listed:
  • Rhiannon Thompson

    (School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
    National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), School for Public Health Research (SPHR), London, UK
    Medical Research Centre (MRC)—Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK)

  • Lucy Brown

    (School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
    Medical Research Centre (MRC)—Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
    Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society, London NW1 4RY, UK)

  • Rakhi Biswas Evans

    (School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
    Medical Research Centre (MRC)—Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK)

  • Rayhan Mahbub

    (Public Contributor, Imperial College, London, UK)

  • Amelia Rees

    (Public Contributor, Imperial College, London, UK)

  • Molly Wilson

    (Independent Consultant, London, UK
    The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, London NW3 3HY, UK)

  • Lindsay H. Dewa

    (School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
    NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Imperial College London, London W2 1NY, UK)

  • Helen Ward

    (School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
    NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Imperial College London, London W2 1NY, UK
    NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North West London, London, UK
    Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK)

  • Mireille B. Toledano

    (School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
    Medical Research Centre (MRC)—Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
    Mohn Centre for Children’s Health and Wellbeing, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
    NIHR Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Environmental Exposures and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK)

Abstract

This study explores how young people’s mental health was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic using artwork and semi-structured interviews. The mental health impacts of the pandemic are important to understand so that policy and practice professionals can support those affected, prepare and respond to future crises, and support young people who are isolated and restricted in other contexts. Co-designed participatory art workshops and interviews were conducted with 16–18-year-olds ( n = 21, 62% female) from the London-based Longitudinal cohort Study of Cognition, Adolescents and Mobile Phones (SCAMP). Artworks and interview transcripts were qualitatively co-and analysed with young people. From interviews, six themes were identified: adaptation, restriction, change, challenges, overcoming adversity, and lockdown life. From the artwork, four themes were identified: trapped, negative mental wellbeing, positive emotions, and technology. Everyday factors such as home environment, social support, hobbies, habits, and online education were key determinants of how challenged and restricted participants felt, and their capacity to overcome this. This demonstrates the importance of wider (social and environmental) determinants and supports a systems-level public health approach to young people’s mental health. For example, young people’s mental health services should collaborate with other sectors to address such determinants in a holistic way. Clearer guidance and support with occupation, relationships, environment, routine and activities could mitigate the negative mental health impacts of major environmental changes on young people.

Suggested Citation

  • Rhiannon Thompson & Lucy Brown & Rakhi Biswas Evans & Rayhan Mahbub & Amelia Rees & Molly Wilson & Lindsay H. Dewa & Helen Ward & Mireille B. Toledano, 2024. "Change, Adversity, and Adaptation: Young People’s Experience of the COVID-19 Pandemic Expressed through Artwork and Semi-Structured Interviews," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(5), pages 1-26, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:5:p:636-:d:1396191
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/21/5/636/pdf
    Download Restriction: no

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/21/5/636/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Minh Ngoc Le Vu & Anh Linh Do & Laurent Boyer & Quy Chi Tran & Stefan Kohler & Syed Ishtiaque Ahmed & Andreea Molnar & Tung Son Vu & Nhan Trong Huynh Vo & Linh Mai Vu Nguyen & Linh Gia Vu & Vu Anh Tro, 2022. "A Review of the Effectiveness, Feasibility, and Acceptability of Art Therapy for Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-7, September.
    2. Hennink, Monique & Kaiser, Bonnie N., 2022. "Sample sizes for saturation in qualitative research: A systematic review of empirical tests," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 292(C).
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. Deldar Morad Abdulah & Bayar Mohammed Omar Abdulla & Pranee Liamputtong, 2021. "Psychological response of children to home confinement during COVID-19: A qualitative arts-based research," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 67(6), pages 761-769, September.
    6. Salima Meherali & Neelam Punjani & Samantha Louie-Poon & Komal Abdul Rahim & Jai K. Das & Rehana A. Salam & Zohra S. Lassi, 2021. "Mental Health of Children and Adolescents Amidst COVID-19 and Past Pandemics: A Rapid Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-16, March.
    7. Benedetta Barchielli & Clarissa Cricenti & Francesca Gallè & Elita Anna Sabella & Fabrizio Liguori & Giovanna Da Molin & Giorgio Liguori & Giovanni Battista Orsi & Anna Maria Giannini & Stefano Ferrac, 2022. "Climate Changes, Natural Resources Depletion, COVID-19 Pandemic, and Russian-Ukrainian War: What Is the Impact on Habits Change and Mental Health?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-18, September.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Jung-In Yoo & Joung-Kyue Han & Hyun-Su Youn & Joo-Hyug Jung, 2021. "Comparison of Health Awareness in South Korean Middle School Students According to Type of Online Physical Education Classes during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-10, July.
    2. Seung-Man Lee & Jung-In Yoo & Hyun-Su Youn, 2021. "Changes in Alienation in Physical Education Classes, School Happiness, and Expectations of a Future Healthy Life after the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korean Adolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-11, October.
    3. Stephanie Scott & Victoria J. McGowan & Shelina Visram, 2021. "‘I’m Gonna Tell You about How Mrs Rona Has Affected Me’. Exploring Young People’s Experiences of the COVID-19 Pandemic in North East England: A Qualitative Diary-Based Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-21, April.
    4. Rachel Winter & Anna Lavis, 2021. "The Impact of COVID-19 on Young People’s Mental Health in the UK: Key Insights from Social Media Using Online Ethnography," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-13, December.
    5. Gabriella Francesca Amalia Pernice & Valeria Orso & Luciano Gamberini, 2023. "Is This Right for You?: The Key Role of Shop Assistants in Promoting Energy-Efficient Household Appliances," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-20, December.
    6. Attà Negri & Arianna Barazzetti & Alice Rinzivillo & Rachele Mariani & Cinzia Di Monte, 2024. "Cognitive and Relational Processes Associated to Mental Health in Italian High School Students during COVID-19 and Russian–Ukrainian War Outbreaks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(4), pages 1-19, April.
    7. Justė Lukoševičiūtė & Kastytis Šmigelskas, 2022. "Mental Health during COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Perceptions among Lithuanian Adolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-15, June.
    8. Samuel Adjorlolo & Paul Adjorlolo & Johnny Andoh-Arthur & Emmanuel Kwadzo Ahiable & Irene Akwo Kretchy & Joseph Osafo, 2022. "Post-Traumatic Growth and Resilience among Hospitalized COVID-19 Survivors: A Gendered Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-15, August.
    9. Francesca Gallè & Elita Anna Sabella & Lavinia Bianco & Mario Maninchedda & Benedetta Barchielli & Fabrizio Liguori & Giovanna Da Molin & Giorgio Liguori & Giovanni Battista Orsi & Stefano Ferracuti &, 2022. "How the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Impacted Daily Life? Assessing the Use of Web Resources for Recreational Activities in the Italian Adult Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-13, November.
    10. Gülüm Özer & İdil Işık & Jordi Escartín, 2024. "Is There Somebody Looking out for Me? A Qualitative Analysis of Bullying Experiences of Individuals Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(2), pages 1-22, January.
    11. Liliana Hidalgo-Padilla & Ana L. Vilela-Estrada & Mauricio Toyama & Sumiko Flores & Daniela Ramirez-Meneses & Mariana Steffen & Paul Heritage & Catherine Fung & Stefan Priebe & Francisco Diez-Canseco, 2022. "Using Arts-Based Methodologies to Understand Adolescent and Youth Manifestations, Representations, and Potential Causes of Depression and Anxiety in Low-Income Urban Settings in Peru," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-18, November.
    12. Margarida Frade dos Santos & Celeste Simões & Anabela Caetano Santos & Paula Lebre & Ilaria Grazzani, 2022. "Does Online Implementation Make a Difference in the Effects of a Mental Health Curriculum at Schools?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-18, December.
    13. Júlio Belo Fernandes & Diana Vareta & Sónia Fernandes & Ana Silva Almeida & Dina Peças & Noélia Ferreira & Liliana Roldão, 2022. "Rehabilitation Workforce Challenges to Implement Person-Centered Care," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-9, March.
    14. Francesco Demaria & Stefano Vicari, 2023. "Adolescent Distress: Is There a Vaccine? Social and Cultural Considerations during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-11, January.
    15. Christos Karelakis & Zacharias Papanikolaou & Christina Keramopoulou & George Theodossiou, 2024. "Green Growth, Green Development and Climate Change Perceptions: Evidence from a Greek Region," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-17, July.
    16. Kevin Lanza & Casey P. Durand & Melody Alcazar & Sierra Ehlers & Kai Zhang & Harold W. Kohl, 2021. "School Parks as a Community Health Resource: Use of Joint-Use Parks by Children before and during COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-14, September.
    17. Eleonora Marzilli & Luca Cerniglia & Renata Tambelli & Elena Trombini & Leonardo De Pascalis & Alessandra Babore & Carmen Trumello & Silvia Cimino, 2021. "The COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Impact on Families’ Mental Health: The Role Played by Parenting Stress, Parents’ Past Trauma, and Resilience," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-15, October.
    18. Daniel Muir & Cristiana Orlando & Becci Newton, 2024. "Impact of summer programmes on the outcomes of disadvantaged or ‘at risk’ young people: A systematic review," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 20(2), June.
    19. Anna Maria Werling & Susanne Walitza & Stephan Eliez & Renate Drechsler, 2022. "The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health Care of Children and Adolescents in Switzerland: Results of a Survey among Mental Health Care Professionals after One Year of COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-14, March.
    20. Cifuentes-Faura, Javier & Faura-Martínez, Ursula & Lafuente-Lechuga, Matilde, 2024. "Evaluation of the concerns of Spanish university students in the face of current major challenges," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:5:p:636-:d:1396191. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.