The COVID pandemic has had a significant impact on the well-being, health, and social lives of adolescents and young adults, according to a recent study by the Åbo Akademi University in Finland. The study, which is under the direction of Associate Professor Jessica Hemberg, focuses on how the pandemic has changed young people’s social networks, mental health, and overall sense of well-being while providing a glimpse into the difficulties this generation is experiencing during an unprecedented global crisis. The findings were published in the International Journal for Adolescence and Youth.
The study, which involved 23 participants aged 19 to 27, paints a picture of a generation grappling with the loss of traditional social structures and the emergence of new, often less satisfying, forms of interaction. The findings suggest that while some adolescents have adapted and even found personal growth during the pandemic, others have struggled significantly, with feelings of loneliness and isolation becoming more pronounced.
Hemberg said: “During the COVID-19 pandemic, not only were adolescents’ and young adults’ well-being and health affected but also their development. This can be related to reduced possibilities for real-life peer interactions, worry about the uncertain future, and anxiety about the threat to self, family, and friends.”
One of the key findings is the way in which social networks among young people have changed. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, many adolescents found their social circles shrinking. The usual opportunities for forming new connections, such as attending university or participating in social events, were severely limited. As a result, many young people reported feeling that their social lives had become monotonous and less fulfilling.
This reduction in social interaction has had a profound impact on well-being. While some participants noted that time spent with close family members or partners increased, others found it challenging to maintain friendships or build new relationships. The reliance on digital communication tools like Zoom and Skype, though initially helpful, often failed to provide the depth of connection that in-person interactions offer. Participants expressed frustration at the lack of physical contact and the difficulties in interpreting social cues through a screen.
Highlighting these experiences, Hemberg said: “Adolescents’ and young adults’ experiences of well-being, health, and loneliness are subtle and complex. The included adolescents and young adults experienced changed social networks with fewer but closer contacts, changed mental and physical health, and changed well-being. They additionally experienced internal growth alongside the need for support, and their experiences of isolation and social loneliness increased.”
The shift towards fewer but closer relationships was a common theme. While this provided some comfort, it also highlighted the absence of broader social interactions that are crucial during adolescence. For some, this led to a sense of loss and increased loneliness, especially among those who had previously enjoyed a rich social life.
The study also sheds light on the mental and physical health challenges faced by adolescents. Many participants reported a decline in mental health, with feelings of fatigue, depression, and anxiety becoming more common. The uncertainty surrounding the future, coupled with the disruption of daily routines, contributed to a sense of hopelessness for some.
One participant described how the lack of social interaction and the monotony of daily life led to a sense of being “boxed in,” with negative thoughts and feelings of worthlessness becoming more prevalent. Others spoke of the difficulty in maintaining motivation for everyday tasks, such as attending online classes or even getting out of bed in the morning.
Addressing these concerns, Hemberg emphasised the importance of support systems: “Support from family and friends was found to be an important source of strength. Clear information on how to seek help and support from professionals should be made available.”
The physical health of many participants also deteriorated during the pandemic. With limited opportunities for outdoor activities and exercise, some reported becoming more sedentary, which further impacted their overall well-being. However, a few participants who were able to continue or even increase their physical activity found that it provided a vital outlet for managing stress and maintaining mental health.
The experience of loneliness was a significant concern among the participants. Many young people experienced increased feelings of loneliness as a result of the pandemic’s isolation, particularly during lockdowns. Even those who had previously enjoyed solitude found the enforced isolation to be burdensome, crossing the line from a healthy need for alone time to an overwhelming sense of being cut off from the world.
Participants described how the lack of social contact during the pandemic made them more aware of their loneliness. Some turned to digital communication as a way to alleviate these feelings, but found that it was not a sufficient substitute for in-person interaction. The absence of casual social interactions, such as those that occur in a university setting, left many feeling more isolated and disconnected.
Despite these challenges, the study found that some adolescents experienced personal growth during the pandemic. The increased time spent alone allowed for greater self-reflection and the development of new insights about their own needs and priorities. For some, the pandemic provided an opportunity to re-evaluate their lives and focus on what truly mattered to them, such as family, health, and close relationships.
Looking towards the future, Hemberg suggested: “We recommend that future research include post-pandemic and longitudinal perspectives on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents and young adults.”
The findings underscore the importance of providing adequate support to adolescents as they navigate the ongoing effects of the pandemic. Many participants expressed a desire for clearer information on how to seek help, whether for mental health issues or general well-being. The study suggests that having strong support networks, whether through family, friends, or professional services, is crucial for helping young people cope with the challenges they face.
Hemberg concluded with insights on the broader implications: “The findings of this study may provide those who work with adolescents and young adults with an increased understanding of how they experience daily life. This, in turn, may facilitate helping adolescents and young adults maintain or regain their strength and well-being during future pandemics or crises. The findings may also provide policymakers with better insight into how to support adolescents and young adults in the future, as well as provide the support mechanisms whereby to do so.”
