WHAT ABOUT AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC? ADOLESCENTS' VOICES ON THIS PERIOD IN THEIR LIVES

Abstract

Objective: what youth found most difficult during COVID-19, their coping strategies and expectations regarding the future. Method: multi-method with 318 participants (16-24 years; M = 19.07, SD = 2.66), mostly girls (69.5%), students (78.5%) in secondary school or equivalent (52.8%) or higher (41.7%). Results: negative perception of the impacts on mental and social health, social relationships and behaviours. Secondary and university students have a similar perception of the impacts of the pandemic, but different future expectations. Conclusions: these results are expected to raise awareness of the importance of psychological support, and resource availability during and after the pandemic.