Gloomy and out of control? Consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on momentary optimism in daily lives of adolescents

• DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03313-6
• Publication Date: 2022-06-25T03:21:31Z
• Authors: Larissa L. Wieczorek; Eva Bleckmann; Naemi D. Brandt; Jenny Wagner
• Keywords: Pandemic; 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

Abstract In the global COVID-19 pandemic, adolescents are regarded as especially burdened due to school closures and leisure activities being banned, often reducing peer contacts zero. Experiencing restrictions while uninvolved in decision-making processes left them with little control over their daily lives. Meanwhile, research highlights that optimism can act a buffer against impact of hassles is considered an important resource for mental health. To understand implications pandemic adolescents' lives, this study examined how momentary perceived personal societal consequences relate optimism. Using experience-sampling data from N = 242 ( M age 15.89; 86% female) assessed during second wave Germany, multilevel modeling revealed positive associations between adolescents’ at both within- between-person level. Additionally, showed specific optimism: Whereas were directly related lower optimism, strengthened relationship These findings highlight role general tendency within situations life. This way, our results may shed light on support adolescent states emergency, such worldwide pandemic.