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Self-Reported Worries in Young People During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Shukla, M; Crew, A; Wu, A; Riddleston, L; Hutchinson, T; Kumari, V; Hughes, LD; (2023) Self-Reported Worries in Young People During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cognitive Therapy and Research , 47 (4) pp. 531-542. 10.1007/s10608-023-10396-3. Green open access

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Abstract

Purpose: COVID-19 pandemic has had long-standing consequences for all aspects of life. Although young people appear less susceptible to severe forms of physical illness due to the coronavirus, they have not escaped unscathed from its’ psychological impacts. The present study measured the content of worries in young people residing in the UK during the pandemic and how it varied with sociodemographic factors. / Methods: Between May and December 2020, UK-residing participants aged 12–25 years completed an online survey that presented participants with free-text fields to describe their top three worries over the last two weeks, in addition to demographic and other information. Cross-sectional data from 2560 participants (Males = 767; Female = 1793) was analyzed. / Results: Irrespective of sociodemographic, a majority of the participants reported worries related to academics, followed by social relationships, own physical health, social and work routines, and physical health of others. Significantly more females reported concerns about academics, finances, physical health, social and work routines, social relationships, mental health and emotions, and physical health of others. Expectedly, more older (18–25 years) than younger (12–17 years) participants reported concerns about career-prospects and finances, while more younger than older ones were worried about academics (98.41% vs. 80.90%). With respect to financial worries, a higher percentage of BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) communities in the UK reported such worries. Ethnicity significantly predicted more worries about social relationships among White than BAME participants. Significant differences also existed across different SES groups regarding endorsement of a particular category of worry. / Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for tailored interventions depending on the major concerns for young people of different ages, sexes, ethnicities, and SES.

Type: Article
Title: Self-Reported Worries in Young People During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Location: United States
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1007/s10608-023-10396-3
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-023-10396-3
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
Keywords: worry, COVID-19, minority, SES, Age, Sex
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education > IOE - Social Research Institute
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10195190
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