How the COVID-19 pandemic affected young people’s mental health and wellbeing in the UK: A qualitative study

• DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/xmpw3
• Publication Date: 2022-04-27T15:50:26Z
• Authors: Polly Waite; Samantha Pearcey; Lowrie Caitlin Hu...; Eshal Sajid; Marie-Louise Klampe; Milly Sargent; Peter J Lawrence
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis; Sadness; Pandemic; Reflexivity

There is emerging evidence of the detrimental impact pandemic and associated restrictions on young people’s mental health in UK but to date, this data has been largely quantitative. The aim current study was gain a deeper understanding experiences relation their wellbeing during pandemic. Seventeen people, aged 11-16 years, sampled for diverse characteristics, living UK, were interviewed virtually between December 2020 February 2021. Eighteen parents/carers 10 professionals working with children families also more comprehensive perspective experiences. Reflexive thematic analysis carried out by research team, which included individuals lived experience, revealed five overarching themes: (1) positives; (2) worries anxiety; (3) sadness anger about losses; (4) exhaustion; (5) support from others. Young appeared vary according key background characteristics. Continued measurement health, initiatives identify people who have struggling provision (including evidence-based accessible interventions) will be important protecting future adversities as we emerge