Experiences of adolescents in the face of lockdown and the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has had harmful effects on emotional health, especially in young people. In the present study, the questionnaire «Experiences of adolescents in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic» was designed and validated. Participants were 4,011 Mexican adolescents aged 14 to 25 years (M = 18.21);33 % men and 67 % women. The questionnaire was administered online and, afterwards, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyzes were performed and Cronbach's Alpha was calculated. Satisfactory levels of validity and reliability were obtained. The instrument consisted of eight factors favorable family interaction, entertaining-creative activities, conflict experiences, unfavorable mood, longing for the previous life, fear of contagion, general sanitary measures and sanitary measures adopted when returning home. It is concluded that the questionnaire is valid and reliable and will be useful to find out how adolescents experience the changes caused by health crises. (English) [ FROM AUTHOR]