Emotional Problems in Spanish Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has particularly affected the mental health of children and adolescents. In Spain, numerous studies have been carried out about the emotional impact on this population. The objective of this paper is to examine, through a systematic review, the most immediate psychological effects of the pandemic on Spanish children and adolescents and the related variables. A search was conducted, obtaining 356 articles of which 27 met the inclusion criteria. The studies reviewed address emotional problems, emotion-regulation problems, anxiety, depression, and stress in Spanish children and adolescents. An increase in emotional problems during confinement was observed. Differences were found in emotional problems, being generally more common in girls and older children and adolescents. Related variables of a family nature and referred to the pandemic, coping styles, and other psychological problems were examined. These results are relevant to design interventions that can prevent the impact of other similar situations.