RESUMO
COVID-19 and the measures adopted have been a problem for society at all levels. The aim of the study was to analyze the main predictors of life satisfaction among adolescents in Ecuador during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were 902 adolescents from Ecuador aged between 12 and 18 years (M = 15.30; SD = 1.28). Variables such as life satisfaction, resilience, emotional symptomatology, and worries about COVID-19 were assessed. Two statistical methodologies were compared (structural equation models (SEM) and qualitative comparative analysis (QCA)) to analyze the possible influence of worries about COVID-19, resilience and emotional symptomatology towards life satisfaction. The results indicated that in both models, worries about COVID-19 were negatively related to life satisfaction. However, having a greater worry, specifically for physical health issues, was associated with better life satisfaction. SEM models indicate that depression is negatively related to life satisfaction. In QCA models, high levels of life satisfaction are explained by low levels of anxiety and depression. Thus, resilience seems to play a mediating role in life satisfaction, although this is only true for the depression variable. It is necessary to detect signs of risk in this population and strengthen resilience in them as elements that can facilitate their adequate coping with their adverse situation.
RESUMO
Background: The lockdown due to COVID-19, has affected the mental health of the population. Recent literature suggests a greater psychological impact on adolescents regardless of their cultural background. Objective: The aim is to analyze the emotional state, life satisfaction and worries about COVID-19 in Chilean and Spanish adolescents. Method: A total of 1078 adolescents (M=15.18; SD=1.25) completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, the COVID-19 Worry Scale and the Life Satisfaction Scale. The design was cross-sectional and descriptive. Descriptive analyses, t-tests, and linear regressions were performed. Results: More emotional symptoms, worries and lower life satisfaction were observed in Chile. Girls had more worries and emotional symptoms. An affected psychological state is also observed in Spanish adolescents, especially in Chilean adolescents. Worries about COVID-19 affect depression, anxiety, stress and life satisfaction in both samples. Conclusions: Further research is needed to prevent psychological distress in future pandemics. Developing tailored interventions are encouraged.
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We examined the relationship between emotional stability as a more stable personality trait and COVID-related worries with basic human values in a Brazilian sample (N = 578) that is strongly affected by COVID-19. We tested whether emotional stability would moderate the effect of infection and economic worries on personal values. In line with predictions, we found that infection worries were more strongly related to Security values, especially among individuals with less emotional stability, whereas economic worries were more strongly correlated with Power values, in particular among individuals with less emotional stability. Findings for Achievement values suggested perceived behavioral control effects for individuals high in Emotional Stability. Our findings provide insights into possible longer-term psychological effects of the current pandemic. Emotional dynamics in connection with worries created by the pandemic could influence values of importance for societal functioning in the short to medium term.
RESUMO
Introducción: La adolescencia es una etapa de importantes cambios biopsicosociales: imagen corporal, ideales, proyecto vital, roles intrafamiliares y sociales sufren redefiniciones tendientes a la autonomía y el fortalecimiento de la identidad. El proceso en su conjunto implica desafíos y conquistas, pero también un grado importante de vulnerabilidad psicológica. La enfermedad oncológica tiene un alto impacto socio emocional, afectando todos los procesos adolescentes. Objetivos: Explorar las problemáticas que enfrentan los adolescentes durante el tratamiento oncológico y conocer los recursos psicológicos, sociales e institucionales que utilizan para transitar los procesos de la adolescencia en dicha situación. Material y métodos: estudio observacional, transversal y prospectivo. Para la recolección de datos se utilizó un cuestionario para adolescentes, un cuestionario para cuidadores, y la Escala de Afrontamiento para adolescentes (ACS) de Frydenberg y Lewis. Los cuestionarios fueron elaborados para este estudio y contenían preguntas con respuestas abiertas y cerradas. Para el procesamiento de datos, se registraron todas las respuestas cerradas y con las respuestas abiertas se formaron categorías por consenso siempre que una misma idea fuera referida por al menos el 10% de los entrevistados. Resultados: 42 adolescentes y 32 cuidadores participaron del estudio. Mediana de edad: 15,04 años (13,08-18,09). Tiempo desde el diagnóstico: mediana 6 meses (1-24). El 81% de los adolescentes contaba con comprensión adecuada de la enfermedad y el 19% con comprensión parcial. El 57% refirió preocupaciones vinculadas con la enfermedad y/o el tratamiento. El síntoma físico más reportado fue el cansancio; respecto al estado emocional fue la alternancia de momentos buenos y momentos malos. Los principales recursos de ayuda fueron la familia y los amigos. Presentaron variabilidad en el uso de estrategias de afrontamiento, mayor uso de estrategias eficaces y menor uso de disfuncionales. Conclusiones: Los adolescentes en tratamiento oncológico requieren del apoyo y aliento de la familia, amigos y equipo de salud. Mejorar la infraestructura y el equipamiento electrónico del hospital facilitaría que se mantengan activos y comunicados. Crear espacios asistenciales y recreativos diferenciales para adolescentes favorecería el encuentro e intercambio entre ellos. Estimular la participación activa de los adolescentes en el diálogo con los médicos y en el tratamiento permitiría dar lugar a sus preocupaciones y que recobren algo de la autonomía perdida (AU)
Introduction: Adolescence is a stage of important biopsychosocial changes: Body image, ideals, project of life, intra-family and social roles are subject to redefinitions related to autonomy and identity strengthening. Taken together, this process implies challenges and achievements, but also a considerable degree of psychological vulnerability. Oncological disease has a strong socio-emotional impact, affecting all processes of adolescence. Aims: To assess problems that affect adolescents during oncology treatment and determine psychological, social, and institutional resources they use to go through the processes of adolescence in this situation. Material and methods: Prospective, observational, and cross-sectional study. For data collection a survey for adolescents, a survey for caregivers, and the Adolescent Coping Scale (ACS) by Frydenberg and Lewis were used. The surveys were developed for this study and had open-ended and closedended questions. For data processing all closed-ended questions were recorded and categories were developed for the openended questions based on consensus when the same idea was expressed by at least 10% of the interviewees. Results: 42 adolescents and 32 caregivers participated in the study. Median age was 15.04 years (13,08-18,09). Median time from diagnosis was 6 months (1-24). Overall, 81% of the adolescents had an adequate understanding of the disease and 19% a partial understanding. Of the adolescents, 57% reported worries related to the disease and/or the treatment. The most commonly reported physical symptom was fatigue; emotional state was alternating between good and bad moments. The main support resources were the family and friends. The adolescents used a variability of coping strategies, with more use of efficacious than dysfunctional strategies. Conclusions: Adolescents receiving oncology treatment need support and encouragement from the family, friends, and the health-care team. Improving the infrastructure and electronic equipment of the hospital may be helpful in keeping them active and connected. Creating differential care and recreational spaces for adolescents will favor meetings and exchange among them. Stimulating active participation of the adolescents in the dialogue with physicians and in the treatment will allow them to reveal their worries and recover some of their lost autonomy (AU)