6533b7d3fe1ef96bd1261649

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Psychological adjustment of Spanish adolescents and their parents during COVID- 19 lockdown: A mixed method approach

Silvia Postigo-zegarraMartin Corbelli JulianKonstanze SchoepsInmaculada Montoya-castilla

subject

MaleParentsViral DiseasesEpidemiologyEmotionsSocial SciencesPsychological DistressAdolescentsFamiliesMedical Conditions0302 clinical medicineMixed approachSociologySurveys and QuestionnairesAdaptation PsychologicalPsicología del adolescenteMedicine and Health SciencesPsychologyHuman FamiliesSocial isolationChildrenmedia_commonMultidisciplinaryQ05 social sciencesRMental HealthInfectious DiseasesSocial IsolationFeelingMedicineFemalemedicine.symptomPsychologyResearch ArticleClinical psychologyAdolescentPsychological AdjustmentSocial PsychologyCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Sciencemedia_common.quotation_subjectEmotional Adjustment050105 experimental psychology03 medical and health sciencesSocial supportEpidemiamedicineHumans0501 psychology and cognitive sciencesNarrativeBiology and Life SciencesPsychological distressCOVID-19Covid 19Mental healthPsicologíaSpainAge GroupsMedical Risk FactorsPeople and PlacesPopulation GroupingsStress Psychological030217 neurology & neurosurgery

description

Previous literature on the psychological impact of COVID-19 has shown a direct relationship between family conflicts and psychological distress among parents and their children during the domestic lockdown and social isolation; but there are also opportunities to enhance family bonding, encourage collective problem-solving and improve personal relationships. This study aimed to explore psychological adjustment processes of Spanish adolescents and their parents during the first month of lockdown by analyzing their narratives, perceived outcomes, protection and risk factors. A total of 142 people agreed to participate in this study. Of all participants, 61 were adolescents (M = 13.57; SD = 1.74; 57% women) and 81 were parents (M = 46.09; SD = 4.72; 91% mothers). All were Spanish residents and completed an online survey during the domestic lockdown in March 2020. From a qualitative design, methodology followed a mixed approach to analyze data. The results showed three different types of adaptation to lockdown and social isolation in both adolescents and their parents: 1) positive adjustment, 2) moderate adjustment, and 3) maladjustment. Most participants reported a good adjustment and only a 20% of parents and a 16% of adolescents stated that they had not been able to achieve a positive psychological adjustment. There are few significant quantitative differences between adolescents and their parents. The qualitative analysis of data showed that adolescents reported less psychological distress than their parents. The two most important protective factors were social support and keeping busy during lockdown. The most significant risk factors were loss of mobility and social isolation. The conclusions stressed that regarding psychological maladjustment, parents experienced feelings of uncertainty whereas adolescents experienced a kind of mourning process. These findings can be used to design and implement effective intervention measures for mental health and psychological well-being in such a difficult situation as domestic lockdown. Sin financiación 3.240 JCR (2020) Q2, 26/73 Multidisciplinary Sciences 0.990 SJR (2020) Q1, 13/135 Multidisciplinary No data IDR 2019 UEV

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2021-01-01
10.1371/journal.pone.0255149https://hdl.handle.net/11268/10388