Adolescent Trauma and Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the School Context

Gerasimos Kalogeratos, Eleni Anastasopoulou, Angeliki Tsagri, Chrysostomos Tseremegklis, Danai Tsogka, Konstantina Lourida and Anastasios Drongitis
Additional contact information
Gerasimos Kalogeratos: University of Patras, Greece
Eleni Anastasopoulou: Elementary school of Agios Vasileios, Patras, Greece
Angeliki Tsagri: Elementary School of Vlachopoulo, Messinia, Greece
Chrysostomos Tseremegklis: 40th Elementary School of Patras, Patras, Greece
Danai Tsogka: Elementary School of Lappa, Achaia, Greece
Konstantina Lourida: 2nd Elementary School of Kato Achaia, Achaia, Greece
Anastasios Drongitis: Experimental Elementary School of University of Patras, Patras, Greece

Technium Social Sciences Journal, 2024, vol. 55, issue 1, 262-276

Abstract: This study examines the significant effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent trauma and its subsequent consequences in the school setting. The pandemic has brought about a worldwide health emergency that goes beyond physical health, significantly impacting the mental and emotional well-being of teenagers. This demographic, which is already vulnerable to different types of psychological distress during a crucial period of growth, encountered intensified difficulties as a result of the disruptions caused by the pandemic. The study employs a mixed-method methodology, combining quantitative data from surveys with qualitative insights gathered through interviews and focus groups that include students, teachers, and school counselors. The objective is to evaluate the prevalence of trauma-related concerns among adolescents during the pandemic and investigate how these concerns have become apparent in educational environments. Primary concerns include the consequences of extended school closures, the transition to remote learning, social seclusion, and the broader psychosocial pressures associated with the pandemic. The findings indicate a notable surge in the number of reports concerning anxiety, depression, and other symptoms associated with trauma among adolescents. The interruption of typical school schedules and the lack of a physical school setting have decreased academic involvement and drive. Moreover, the absence of face-to-face social engagement and participation in extracurricular activities has intensified sentiments of isolation and social detachment. The study emphasizes the crucial role of schools in offering assistance and resources to tackle these difficulties. It highlights the necessity of implementing trauma-informed educational strategies and mental health support systems in schools to address the increased emotional and psychological requirements of students. Furthermore, the study identifies successful tactics schools utilize to lessen the consequences of the pandemic, such as incorporating mental health education into the curriculum, offering virtual counseling services, and cultivating a supportive online community.

Date: 2024
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://techniumscience.com/index.php/socialsciences/article/view/10667 (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:tec:journl:ojs:10667

DOI: 10.47577/tssj.v55i1.10667

Access Statistics for this article

Technium Social Sciences Journal is currently edited by Tasente Tanase

More articles in Technium Social Sciences Journal from Technium Science
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Tasente Tanase ( this e-mail address is bad, please contact ).