Social connectedness, sleep, and physical activity associated with better mental health among youth during the COVID-19 pandemic
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns about mental health and substance use have grown, especially amongst adolescents. Learn what healthy habits can build resilience and encourage better mental health in youth!
Longitudinal survey data of more than 3,000 adolescents ages 11-14 recorded before and during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 found that supportive relationships with family and friends and healthy behaviors, like engaging in physical activity and better sleep, appeared to shield against the harmful effects of the pandemic on adolescents' mental health.
The research published in the Journal of Adolescent Health was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and other entities at the National Institutes of Health. The research is based on data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, the largest long-term study of brain development and child health ever conducted in the United States.
Researchers also explored predictors of perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, and found that girls were more likely than boys to experience psychological distress during the pandemic. Psychosocial factors, including poorer quality and functioning of family relationships, more screen time, and witnessing discrimination in relation to the pandemic, also predicted youth distress.
Read the full research
There’s always a person or organization that can help you… no matter what it is that you need! Here’s a list of links to resources that can assist you as you work to make the connections you need to manage the changes in your life.