Impacts of COVID-19 quarantine and isolation on adolescent social functioning

Authors

Rosanna Breaux, Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA. Electronic address: rbreaux@vt.edu.
Annah R. Cash, Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
Jasmine Lewis, Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
Katelyn M. Garcia, Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
Melissa R. Dvorsky, Division of Psychology and Behavioral Health, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, And Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
Stephen P. Becker, Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

6-1-2023

Journal

Current opinion in psychology

Volume

52

DOI

10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101613

Keywords

Adolescents; COVID-19; Isolation; Quarantine; Social development

Abstract

This review discusses research conducted globally between March 2020 and March 2023 examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent social functioning, including their lifestyle, extracurricular activities, family environment, peer environment, and social skills. Research highlights the widespread impact, with largely negative effects. However, a handful of studies support improved quality of relationships for some young people. Study findings underscore the importance of technology for fostering social communication and connectedness during periods of isolation and quarantine. Most studies specifically examining social skills were cross-sectional and conducted in clinical populations, such as autistic or socially anxious youth. As such, it is critical that ongoing research examines the long-term social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and ways to promote meaningful social connectedness via virtual interactions.

APA Citation

Breaux, Rosanna; Cash, Annah R.; Lewis, Jasmine; Garcia, Katelyn M.; Dvorsky, Melissa R.; and Becker, Stephen P., "Impacts of COVID-19 quarantine and isolation on adolescent social functioning" (2023). GW Authored Works. Paper 2772.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/2772

Department

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences