Which anxious adolescents were most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions caused significant stress and anxiety among many, but individual effects of the pandemic vary widely. We examine if specific forms of anxiety (generalized vs. social) predict distinct trajectories of anxiety, perceived stress, and COVID-related worries during three early months of the pandemic. As part of a longitudinal study (N=291), adolescents’ (n=194) levels of social and generalized anxiety were assessed via parent- and self-reports and clinical diagnostic interviews. In young adulthood (n=164), anxiety, stress, and COVID-related worries were assessed three times during the pandemic. Pre-pandemic generalized anxiety predicted higher initial levels and maintenance of anxiety, stress, and COVID-related worries during the pandemic. In contrast, pre-pandemic social anxiety predicted lower initial levels of anxiety, stress, and COVID-related worries followed by increases in anxiety and stress. Our results highlight the importance of understanding how pre-pandemic psychological factors influence individuals’ responses to the pandemic.

Neurocognitive Profiles in Adolescence Predict Subsequent Anxiety Trajectories During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The scale showed excellent internal consistency at all time points (α > 0.92) and good test-retest reliability ( r > 0.65). Moreover, in this sample, the GAD-7 was significantly correlated to COVID-related worries at each assessment ( r range = 0.48−0.59), suggesting that the GAD-7 is related to pandemic-induced distress ( 24 ).…”