Adolescent well-being amid the COVID-19 pandemic: Are girls struggling more than boys? ...

• Main Authors: Halldorsdottir, Thorhildur, Thorisdottir, Ingibjorg E., Meyers, Caine C. A., Asgeirsdottir, Bryndis Bjork, Kristjansson, Alfgeir L., Valdimarsdottir, Heiddis, Allegrante, John P., Sigfusdottir, Inga Dora
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: Columbia University 2021
• Subjects: COVID-19 Disease > Social aspects; Adolescence; Teenage girls > Mental health; Social media; Depression, Mental; Iceland
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.7916/d8-88a9-1j98; https://academiccommons.columbia.edu/doi/10.7916/d8-88a9-1j98

Background: Differential effects of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic and associated public restrictions on adolescent girls and boys are emerging but have not been elucidated. This study examined gender differences across broad indicators of adolescent well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iceland, and explored potential explanations for these differences. Methods: In total, 523 youth (56.5% girls) born in Iceland in 2004 completed measures on mental health problems (depressive symptoms, anger and suicide attempts) and measures designed for this study to assess broad indicators of adolescent well-being (e.g., day-to-day life, academic performance, family and peer relationships, and mental and physical health) and behavioral changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health problems during the pandemic were compared to expected scores based on nationwide ratings of same-aged peers in 2018. Results: Although both boys and girls appeared affected, girls reported a greater negative impact ...