Szydlo T, Shein-Szydlo J, Szydlo D, Vitulano M, Vitulano L

Language: Spanish
References: 13
Page: 44-48
PDF size: 197.85 Kb.

ABSTRACT

This research aimed to understand the experience of adolescents in confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. A questionnaire composed of 43 structured and semi-structured questions was administered to 596 high school students aged 14 to 18 from private schools in Mexico City. The questionnaire assessed adolescents' emotions, coping strategies, activities, sleep patterns, changes in relationships with parents and friends, and perceived advantages and disadvantages. The results revealed that the most frequent emotions during lockdown were boredom and anger, followed by sadness, loneliness, despair and worry. The coping mechanisms used most frequently were listening to music and using social media. Participants in this study did not turn to substance use or self-harm to manage their emotions. Sleep patterns were affected during lockdown. The percentage of participants who slept during the day increased as did the average duration of naps. Even though the lack of in-person social contact with peers and friends negatively affected participants' mental health, one of the most valuable findings was the fact that teens valued having more time with family. Understanding adolescents' experiences during lockdown can offer new perspectives about adolescent development and create interventions for this population in similar crises.

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