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Cited by 283COVID-19 and Mental HealthChild and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional DevelopmentSocial impacts of COVID-19

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

Open access
O’Sullivan, Katriona, Clark, Serena, McGrane, Amy, Rock, Nicole, Burke, Lydia, Boyle, Neasa, Joksimovic, Natasha, Marshall, Kevin·2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
DOI 10.3390/ijerph18031062PMC PMC7908364
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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).

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This qualitative IPA study of 48 Irish families (N = 94) during the first COVID-19 lockdown found that children and adolescents experienced adverse mental health effects, including social isolation, depression, anxiety, and maladaptive behaviour. Families with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder reported increased mental health difficulties, mostly due to changes in routine.

Key findings

  • Parents and children described negative impacts of restrictions on young people’s wellbeing, including social isolation, depression, anxiety, and increases in maladaptive behaviour; one child aged 5 said, “I hated everything about COVID.”
  • Adolescents commonly experienced depression and anxiety, and some mourned cancelled milestones such as graduation; parents reported seeking mental health services for teenage children.
  • Families with children with ASD reported increased mental health difficulties during the period, mostly due to changes to routine, with anxiety, attachment difficulties, and existential anxiety described.
  • The study interviewed 48 families (N = 94 completed interviews; 109 agreed to participate) during the first pandemic restrictions and national lockdown in Ireland.

Methods

  • Qualitative study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), reported in accordance with COREQ, with online semistructured interviews conducted via Microsoft Teams; interviews lasted approximately 30 min and took place with families as a group.
  • Forty-eight families (N = 94) were recruited through convenience and snowballing sampling via social media and networking platforms; parents, guardians, caregivers, and their children participated.
  • Data were analysed using a thematic IPA approach in NVIVO following six steps outlined by Smith and Shinebourne; researchers initially coded separately, then discussed and analysed themes together, and counted frequency of code references presented in Table 2.

Limitations

  • Stated: the sample was not equally distributed across demographics such as single-parent and two-parent families, socioeconomic backgrounds, and rural and urban settings; many families resided in Dublin, an urban setting, and mothers were more likely than fathers to be interviewed.
  • Stated: remote interview technique limited nonverbal communication between interviewer and interviewee, which can provide important insights.
  • Evident: findings are primarily based on parents’ and caregivers’ observations of young people’s mental health, and participation depended on willingness to participate, which may limit generalisability.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.3390/ijerph18031062

Cites

38 of 38 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 56 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    There was limited peer interaction throughout the lockdown.

    “There was limited peer interaction throughout the lockdown:”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    All the parents interviewed illustrated deep concern over the effects of the prolonged social isolation for their children.

    “All the parents interviewed illustrated deep concern over the effects of the prolonged social isolation for their children:”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Children and young people were seen as having the worst experiences in the COVID-19 crisis because they could not be children.

    “Children and young people were seen as having the worst experiences in the COVID-19 crisis because they could not be children.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Families with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders reported increased mental health difficulties during this period mostly due to changes to routine.

    “Families with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders reported increased mental health difficulties during this period mostly due to changes to routine.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    One common theme that emerged was the direct impact that the restrictions were having on young people.

    “One common theme that emerged was the direct impact that the restrictions were having on young people.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 31
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    Findingown data

    Throughout the interviews, the researchers observed the stresses and strains placed on families in the COVID-19 crisis.

    “Throughout the interviews, we observed the stresses and strains placed on families in the COVID-19 crisis.”
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    Findingown data

    Many parents argued that their children struggled the most with the lockdown measures.

    “Many parents argued that their children struggled the most with the lockdown measures.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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    Findingown data

    Children and adolescents experienced adverse mental health effects, including feelings of social isolation, depression, anxiety, and increases in maladaptive behaviour.

    “Children and adolescents experienced adverse mental health effects, including feelings of social isolation, depression, anxiety, and increases in maladaptive behaviour.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    A recurring theme was how the young people were missing out the most through the pandemic and that their life was changed for the worse.

    “A recurring theme was how the young people were missing out the most through the pandemic and that their life was changed for the worse.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Children were socially withdrawn and socially isolated, and parents said that children felt it much more than adults due to their lack of fluidity with digital means of communication.

    “Children were socially withdrawn and socially isolated—and parents said that children felt it much more than adults due to their lack of fluidity with digital means of communication.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Findingown data

    Overall families described their children as anxious and high strung during the pandemic, and that this was facilitated by the media coverage of the pandemic and the lack of access to friends and family.

    “Overall families described their children as anxious and high strung during the pandemic, and that this was facilitated by the media coverage of the pandemic and the lack of access to friends and family.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Increased levels of anxiety and heightened fear were observed.

    “Increased levels of anxiety and heightened fear were observed.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Findingown data

    A parent and teacher who works with a class of high-functioning adolescents on the ASD spectrum articulated that his students had a comprehensive understanding of the virus which provoked fear of COVID-19.

    “A parent and teacher who works with a class of high- functioning adolescents on the ASD spectrum articulated that his students had a comprehensive understanding of the virus which provoked fear of COVID-19:”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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    Findingown data

    Adolescents experienced similar negative mental health outcomes to younger children, but their mental health experiences manifested differently.

    “While adolescents experienced similar negative mental health outcomes to younger children, their mental health experiences manifested differently.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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    Findingown data

    Families in this study described increases in adolescent anxiety, depression, and despair.

    “Families in this study also described increases in adolescent anxiety, depression, and despair.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Findingown data

    A parent of an ASD child with high needs discussed that his child's anxiety manifested in relation to his attachment difficulties.

    “A parent of an ASD child with high needs discussed that his child’s anxiety manifested in relation to his attachment difficulties:”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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    Findingown data

    Many mourned the cancellation of milestone events and were negatively affected by the loss of routine and guidance.

    “At the same time, many mourned the cancellation of milestone events and were negatively affected by the loss of routine and guidance.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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    Findingown data

    Anxiety was a prominent theme among these children as all families articulated its presence in the household.

    “Anxiety was a prominent theme among these children as all families articulated its presence in the household.”
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    Findingown data

    The lack of freedom forced teenagers to be confined to their household, which provoked various challenges.

    “The lack of freedom forced teenagers to be confined to their household, which provoked various challenges.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Interpretationown data

    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).

    “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).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Study design and conductnone given

    This study was conducted and reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).

    “This study was conducted and reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).”
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    Study design and conductcitation

    The analysis followed the six steps outlined by Smith and Shinbourne.

    “The analysis we employed followed the six steps outlined by Smith and Shinbourne [31]:”
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    • cites Smith and Shinbourne [31] Smith, J.A., and Shinebourne, P. (2012). Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, American Psychological Association. source

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    Premisecitation

    A study in the United States found that 13.2% of adolescents were receiving some form of mental health service from their school before the pandemic.

    “A study in the United States (US) found that 13.2% of adolescents were receiving some form of mental health service from their school before the pandemic [24].”
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    • cites [24] Lipari, R.N., Hedden, S., Blau, G., and Rubenstein, L. (2016). Adolescent mental health service use and reasons for using services in specialty, educational, and general medical settings. The CBHSQ Report, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration US.

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    Premisecitation

    There have been increases in adolescent anxiety, which has been due in some part to pandemic related restrictions.

    “There have been increases in adolescent anxiety [9,10], which has been due in some part to pandemic related restrictions [11,12].”
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    • cites [9] Qi, 2020, Prevalence of anxiety and associated factors for Chinese adolescents during the COVID-19 outbreak, Psychiatry Clin. Neurosci. source

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    • cites [10] Smirni, P., Lavanco, G., and Smirni, D. (2020). Anxiety in Older Adolescents at the Time of COVID-19. J. Clin. Med., 9. source

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    • cites [11] Guessoum, 2020, Adolescent psychiatric disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, Psychiatry Res. source

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    • cites [12] Kılınçel, Ş., Kılınçel, O., Muratdağı, G., Aydın, A., and Usta, M.B. (2020). Factors affecting the anxiety levels of adolescents in home-quarantine during COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. Asia Pac. Psychiatry, e12406. source

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    Study design and conductnone given

    The themes that emerged were then discussed and analysed together to determine the final themes.

    “The themes that emerged were then discussed and analysed together to determine the final themes.”
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    Study design and conductnone given

    This study received ethical approval from The Social Research Ethics Subcommittee, Maynooth University (2407411).

    “This study received ethical approval from The Social Research Ethics Subcommittee, Maynooth University (2407411).”
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    Premisecitation

    Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress are the most common psychological reactions to the pandemic in adults.

    “Research shows that depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress are the most common psychological reactions to the pandemic in adults [1];”
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    • cites [1] Brooks, S.K., Webster, R.K., Smith, L.E., Woodland, L., Wessely, S., Greenberg, N., and Rubin, G.J. (2020). The psychological impact of quarantine and how to reduce it: Rapid review of the evidence. Lancet. source

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    Half of all mental health disorders develop before the age of 14.

    “Because they are in a critical period of development, with half of all mental health disordered developing before the age of 14 [15], children and adolescents must be provided with adequate supports.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [15] Escobar, D.F.S.S., Jesus, T.F., Noll, P.R.S., and Noll, M. (2020). Family and School Context: Effects on the Mental Health of Brazilian Students. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 17. source

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    Premisecitation

    Parental stress caused by pandemic-related factors may have a more significant impact on younger children, which can result in behavioural problems and can have a substantial effect on children with developmental disabilities.

    “Parental stress caused by the pandemic-related factors may have a more significant impact on younger children, which can result in behavioural problems and can have a substantial effect on children with developmental disabilities [20].”
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    • cites [20] Nearchou, F., Flinn, C., Niland, R., Subramaniam, S.S., and Hennessy, E. (2020). Exploring the impact of CoViD-19 on mental health outcomes in children and adolescents: A systematic review. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 17. source

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    Study design and conductnone given

    Consent was achieved verbally through the recruitment phone call and during the interview.

    “Consent was achieved verbally through the recruitment phone call and during the interview.”
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    Premisecitation

    Increasing inequalities in parents' resources and shifting conditions of home environments may exacerbate disparities in opportunities for advantaged and disadvantaged youth.

    “increasing inequalities in parents' resources and shifting conditions of home environments may exacerbate disparities in opportunities for advantaged and disadvantaged youth [4].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [4] OECD (2020, November 25). OECD Policy Responses to Coronavirus (COVID-19): Combatting COVID-19’s Effect on Children. Available online: https://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/policy-responses/combatting-covid-19-s-effect-on-children-2e1f3b2f/.

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    Ireland has the fourth-highest suicide rate in Europe among young people.

    “Ireland has the fourth-highest suicide rate in Europe among young people [19].”
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    • cites [19] UNICEF (2017). Building the Future: Children and the Sustainable Development Goals in Rich Countries, UNICEF.

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    The extent of the impact will likely depend on factors like age, gender, socioeconomic indicators, and country of origin.

    “The extent of the impact will likely depend on factors like age, gender, socioeconomic indicators, and country of origin [13].”
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    • cites [13] Caffo, 2020, Debate: COVID-19 and psychological well-being of children and adolescents in Italy, Child Adolesc. Ment. Health source

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    Study design and conductreasoning

    Once interviews were transcribed, to ensure procedural consistency across interviews, all researchers initially separately coded the interviews.

    “Once interviews were transcribed, to ensure procedural consistency across interviews, all researchers initially separately coded the interviews.”
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    Study design and conductcitation

    The researchers demonstrate reflexivity throughout the study.

    “In line with the IPA approach, focuses on the subjective lived experiences of people [33], and, therefore, the researchers demonstrate reflexivity throughout the study [34].”
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    • cites [34] Corlett, S., and Mavin, S. (2020). Reflexivity and researcher positionality. The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Business and Management Research Methods, SAGE.

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    Premisecitation

    Early research has indicated an increase in adverse mental health outcomes for young people, including increased levels of depression and anxiety and a greater likelihood of post-traumatic stress symptoms.

    “Early research has indicated an increase in adverse mental health outcomes for young people. These include increased levels of depression and anxiety [9,10] as well as a greater likelihood of post-traumatic stress symptoms [14].”
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    • cites [9] Qi, 2020, Prevalence of anxiety and associated factors for Chinese adolescents during the COVID-19 outbreak, Psychiatry Clin. Neurosci. source

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    • cites [10] Smirni, P., Lavanco, G., and Smirni, D. (2020). Anxiety in Older Adolescents at the Time of COVID-19. J. Clin. Med., 9. source

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    • cites [14] De Miranda, D.M., Da Silva Athanasio, B., De Sena Oliveira, A.C., and Silva, A.C.S. (2020). How is COVID-19 pandemic impacting mental health of children and adolescents?. Int. J. Disaster Risk Reduct., 101845. source

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    Children and adolescents with pre-existing mental health conditions may be more susceptible to new mental health conditions during the pandemic.

    “Children and adolescents with pre-existing mental health conditions may be more susceptible to new mental health conditions during the pandemic [22].”
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    • cites [22] Chatterjee, 2020, Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pre-existing mental health problems, Asian J. Psychiatry source

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    Study design and conductcitation

    Reflexivity benefits this research's quality, particularly concerning the data analysis as it buffers against personal experiences and biases impacting the research findings.

    “This approach benefits this research's quality, particularly concerning the data analysis as it buffers against personal experiences and biases impacting the research findings [35].”
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    • cites [35] Given, 2008, Diversity Issues, The Sage Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods

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    Study design and conductnone given

    The interviews were conducted by Amy McGrane, MSc, who was provided with interview training by the research's principal investigator, Katriona O'Sullivan.

    “The interviews were conducted by Amy McGrane, MSc, who was provided with interview training by the research's principal investigator, Katriona O'Sullivan.”
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    Study design and conductnone given

    At the beginning of each interview, families were informed of their right to leave the research at any time without suffering any consequences.

    “At the beginning of each interview, families were informed of their right to leave the research at any time without suffering any consequences.”
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    Premisecitation

    Evidence suggests that young people are less likely to experience severe symptoms from contracting COVID-19.

    “evidence suggests that young people are less likely to experience severe symptoms from contracting the disease [3]”
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    • cites [3] Verity, R., Okell, L.C., Dorigatti, I., Winskill, P., Whittaker, C., Imai, N., and Ferguson, N.M. (2020). Estimates of the severity of coronavirus disease 2019: A model-based analysis. Lancet Infect. Dis. source

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    The United Nations Sustainable Development Group labels children and adolescents a vulnerable group that is at-risk for becoming the biggest victims of the pandemic and for some, the impact will be lifelong.

    “the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) labels them a vulnerable group that is at-risk for becoming its biggest victims and for some, the impact will be lifelong [2].”
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    • cites [2] UNSDG (2020, November 25). Policy Brief: Education during COVID-19 and beyond. Available online: https://unsdg.un.org/resources/policy-brief-education-during-covid-19-and-beyond.

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    Premisecitation

    In Ireland, there is a notable increase in anxiety and depression among young people and higher rates of self-harm.

    “In Ireland, the landscape of youth mental health has deteriorated over recent years. There is a notable increase in anxiety and depression among young people and higher rates of self-harm [18].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [18] Dooley, B., O’Connor, C., Fitzgerald, A., and O’Reilly, A. (2019). My World Survey 2: The National Survey of Youth Mental Health, UCD.

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    Premisecitation

    Early evidence suggests that around 9 in 10 young people are screening with moderate-to-severe depression and 8 in 10 with moderate-to-severe anxiety, as a result of the crisis.

    “Early evidence suggests that around 9 in 10 young people are screening with moderate-to-severe depression and 8 in 10 with moderate-to-severe anxiety, as a result of the crisis [30].”
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    • cites [30] Mental Health America (2020). COVID-19 and Mental Health, Mental Health America. Available online: https://mhanational.org/sites/default/files/Coronavirus%20Mental%20Health%20Presentation%207-1-2020.pdf.

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    Premisecitation

    Prolonged quarantine, fear of infections, boredom, insufficient personal space, and separation from classmates and teachers causes stress in children and adolescents.

    “Prolonged quarantine, fear of infections, boredom, insufficient personal space, and separation from classmates and teachers causes stress in children and adolescents [12].”
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    • cites [12] Kılınçel, Ş., Kılınçel, O., Muratdağı, G., Aydın, A., and Usta, M.B. (2020). Factors affecting the anxiety levels of adolescents in home-quarantine during COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. Asia Pac. Psychiatry, e12406. source

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    Premisecitation

    There is an increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety, during these formative years, with half of all mental health disorders developing before the age of 14.

    “There is an increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety during these formable years with half of all mental health disordered developing before the age of 14 [15].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [15] Escobar, D.F.S.S., Jesus, T.F., Noll, P.R.S., and Noll, M. (2020). Family and School Context: Effects on the Mental Health of Brazilian Students. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 17. source

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    Premisecitation

    Increases in parental stress during quarantine is associated with their children's negative emotions and behaviour; the more stressed a child's parent is, the more stressed the child themselves are.

    “Increases in parental stress during quarantine is associated with their children's negative emotions and behaviour; the more stressed a child's parent is, the more stressed the child themselves are [26].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [26] Orgilés, M., Morales, A., Delvecchio, E., Mazzeschi, C., and Espada, J.P. (2020). Immediate Psychological Effects of the COVID-19 Quarantine in Youth from Italy and Spain. Front. Psychol., 1–13. source

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    Interpretationreasoning

    With schools closed and the decrease in services offered by them, home-schooling stresses may be acting to exacerbate the long-term psychological impacts on young people; young people's experience in this study point towards this.

    “With schools closed and the decrease in services offered by them, home-schooling stresses may be acting to exacerbate the long-term psychological impacts on young people; young people’s experience in this study point towards this.”
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    Premisecitation

    In the United States, epidemiological data indicated that 35% of adolescents who used mental health services between 2012 and 2015 availed their school's mental health services.

    “In the United States, epidemiological data indicated that 35% of adolescents who used mental health services between 2012 and 2015 availed their school’s mental health services [10].”
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    • cites [10] Smirni, P., Lavanco, G., and Smirni, D. (2020). Anxiety in Older Adolescents at the Time of COVID-19. J. Clin. Med., 9. source

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    Premisecitation

    Parental mental health difficulties may lead to negative parenting behaviours related to nurturing and monitoring, decreased attention to a child's needs and more significant dysfunction within the home.

    “These parental mental health difficulties may lead to negative parenting behaviours related to nurturing and monitoring, decreased attention to a child's needs and more significant dysfunction within the home [27,28].”
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    • cites [27] Elgar, 2007, Maternal and paternal depressive symptoms and child maladjustment: The mediating role of parental behavior, J. Abnorm. Child Psychol. source

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    • cites [28] Wilson, 2020, Effects of paternal depression on fathers’ parenting behaviors: A meta-analytic review, Clin. Psychol. Rev. source

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    Premisecitation

    Increased family stress exacerbated by home-schooling and reduced psychological supports through school means that young people might be more vulnerable.

    “Increased family stress exacerbated by home-schooling and reduced psychological supports through school means that young people might be more vulnerable [29].”
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    • cites [29] Bubb, 2020, Learning from the COVID-19 home-schooling experience: Listening to pupils, parents/carers and teachers, Improv. Sch. source

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    Premisecitation

    Social interactions with peers contribute to adolescents' social health, creating a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of burdensomeness on others, and these factors are essential for interpersonal needs.

    “Additionally, social interactions with peers contribute to adolescents’ social health, creating a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of burdensomeness on others. These factors are essential for interpersonal needs [38].”
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    • cites [38] Oosterhoff, 2020, Adolescents’ Motivations to Engage in Social Distancing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Associations with Mental and Social Health, J. Adolesc. Health Off. Publ. Soc. Adolesc. Med. source

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    Mental health problems emerge in early childhood, with almost half of the acute mental illnesses occurring by the age of 14, and 75 per cent manifest by the mid-20s.

    “Mental health problems emerge in early childhood, with almost half of the acute mental illnesses occurring by the age of 14, and 75 per cent manifest by the mid-20s [4].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [4] OECD (2020, November 25). OECD Policy Responses to Coronavirus (COVID-19): Combatting COVID-19’s Effect on Children. Available online: https://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/policy-responses/combatting-covid-19-s-effect-on-children-2e1f3b2f/.

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    Premisecitation

    For adolescents, the risk of psychiatric disorders is complicated by how hormonal and neurobiological changes correspond to increased emotional reactivity and continual development of stress regulation and coping strategies.

    “For adolescents, this risk is complicated by how hormonal and neurobiological changes correspond to increased emotional reactivity and continual development of stress regulation and coping strategies [38].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [38] Oosterhoff, 2020, Adolescents’ Motivations to Engage in Social Distancing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Associations with Mental and Social Health, J. Adolesc. Health Off. Publ. Soc. Adolesc. Med. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    These results highlight children's mental and emotional vulnerability during this pandemic, especially those with developmental disabilities.

    “These results highlight children’s mental and emotional vulnerability during this pandemic, especially those with developmental disabilities.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The lack of freedom forced upon young people through the national restrictions provoked various challenges, with the closure of schools and home-quarantine increasing anxiety and loneliness among adolescents and increasing negative behaviour in younger children.

    “The lack of freedom forced upon young people through the national restrictions provoked various challenges; with the closure of schools and home-quarantine increasing anxiety and loneliness among adolescents and increasing negative behaviour in younger children.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The use of the remote interview technique limits nonverbal communication between the interviewer and interviewee, and nonverbal communication can provide important insights into the interview.

    “A second limitation is the use of the remote interview technique. Though this was an essential tool because of COVID-19, this technique limits nonverbal communication between the interviewer and interviewee and nonverbal communication can provide important insights into the interview.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Previous research shows that these children are at increased risk as the pandemic dissipates and that they require specific interventions to minimise having disproportionate consequences on their psychosocial and emotional wellbeing.

    “Previous research shows that these children are at increased risk as the pandemic dissipates and that they require specific interventions to minimise having disproportionate consequences on their psychosocial and emotional wellbeing [41].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [41] Aishworiya, R., and Kang, Y.Q. (2020). Including Children with Developmental Disabilities in the Equation During this COVID-19 Pandemic. J. Autism Dev. Disord., 1–4. source

      Not checked in the free run.

53 of 53

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The impact of COVID-19 on young people is not fully understood.

    “however, the impact of COVID-19 on young people is not fully understood.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    There will be mental health consequences resulting from the pandemic.

    “Though the longitudinal data is not yet available, the assumption is that there will be mental health consequences resulting from the pandemic [7].”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The psychosocial effects of COVID-19 will disproportionately affect young people.

    “With the assumption that the psychosocial effects of COVID-19 will disproportionately affect young people, the immediate and long-term consequences must be understood.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The short- and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on young people's mental health are unclear, as is whether it will cause an increase in mental health disorders in younger people.

    “The short- and long-term impacts are unclear, as well as if it will cause an increase in mental health disorders in younger people.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    To date, there has been little systematic research exploring the psychological impact of the pandemic on children and adolescents in Ireland.

    “To date, there has been little systematic research exploring the psychological impact of the pandemic on children and adolescents in Ireland.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The potential short and long-term impact of COVID-19 on children and adolescents' psychological wellbeing is unclear.

    “The potential short and long-term impact of COVID-19 on children and adolescents' psychological wellbeing is unclear, making this study imperative to understanding these prospective impacts and informing needed interventions.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Children and adolescents' psychological wellbeing is critical for good mental health later in life.

    “It is well documented that children and adolescents' psychological wellbeing is critical for good mental health later in life.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Parents and caregivers can accurately observe and report their children's mental health experiences.

    “documents the psychological effects on young people primarily through parents and caregivers’ observation.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health restrictions, including school closures and lockdowns, occurred in Ireland during the study period.

    “The closure of schools shifted education from the classroom to the home.”
9 of 9

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. Given, 2008, Diversity Issues, The Sage Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods, Volume 1, 226

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
O’Sullivan, K., Clark, S., McGrane, A., Rock, N., Burke, L., Boyle, N., Joksimovic, N., & Marshall, K.
Affiliations
National University of Ireland, Maynooth (IE)
Corresponding author
O’Sullivan, Katriona
ORCID
Venue
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2021-01-25
Volume
18
Issue
3
Pages
1062
ISSN
1660-4601 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3390/ijerph18031062
PMC
PMC7908364
OpenAlex
W3123638009
Semantic Scholar
12a7d598e107b43e2540ff084bcc02f66f69e868
Cited by
283
References
36
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 21 · 2024: 48 · 2023: 76 · 2022: 75 · 2021: 55
FWCI
43.26
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Maynooth University ePrints and eTheses Archive (Maynooth University) (acceptedVersion)
  • RePEc: Research Papers in Economics (submittedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
  • Lenus, The Irish Health Repository (Dr Steevens Hospital Library) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Science Foundation Ireland (20/COV/0151)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › COVID-19 and Mental Health
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development
  • Social Sciences › Safety Research › Social impacts of COVID-19
Keywords
COVID-19 pandemic, child mental health, adolescent mental health, lockdown measures, social isolation, depression, anxiety, maladaptive behavior, autism spectrum disorder, family well-being, vulnerable populations, Ireland
MeSH terms
Child Health, Adolescent Health, Autism Spectrum Disorder, COVID-19, Adolescent, Child, Communicable Disease Control, Humans, Ireland, Mental Health, Vulnerable Populations, Pandemics

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