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    A Qualitative Study of Child and Adolescent Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ireland


    O’Sullivan, Katriona, Clark, Serena, McGrane, Amy, Rock, Nicole, Burke, Lydia, Boyle, Neasa, Joksimovic, Natasha and Marshall, Kevin (2021) A Qualitative Study of Child and Adolescent Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ireland. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18 (3). p. 1062. ISSN 1660-4601

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    Abstract

    Mitigating the adverse physical health risks associated with COVID-19 has been a priority of public health incentives. Less attention has been placed on understanding the psychological factors related to the global pandemic, especially among vulnerable populations. This qualitative study sought to understand the experiences of children and adolescents during COVID-19. This study interviewed 48 families during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, and a national lockdown, to understand its impacts. The study used an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology. Parents and children discussed the negative impact of the restrictions on young people’s wellbeing. Children and adolescents experienced adverse mental health effects, including feelings of social isolation, depression, anxiety, and increases in maladaptive behaviour. Families with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders reported increased mental health difficulties during this period mostly due to changes to routine. The findings highlight the impact of severe restrictions on vulnerable populations’ wellbeing and mental health outcomes, including children, adolescents, and those with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
    Item Type: Article
    Additional Information: Cite as: O'Sullivan K, Clark S, McGrane A, Rock N, Burke L, Boyle N, Joksimovic N, Marshall K. A Qualitative Study of Child and Adolescent Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ireland. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jan 25;18(3):1062. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18031062. PMID: 33504101; PMCID: PMC7908364.
    Keywords: mental health; psychological harm; vulnerable groups;
    Academic Unit: Assisting Living & Learning,ALL institute
    Faculty of Science and Engineering > Psychology
    Item ID: 16626
    Identification Number: 10.3390/ijerph18031062
    Depositing User: Katriona O'Sullivan
    Date Deposited: 17 Oct 2022 10:14
    Journal or Publication Title: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
    Publisher: PubMed Central
    Refereed: Yes
    Related URLs:
    URI: https://mu.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/16626
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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