School Students' Concerns and Support after One Year of COVID-19 in Austria: A Qualitative Study Using Content Analysis

Adolescents suffer severely from the psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using qualitative content analysis, this study examined open-ended responses to a survey on the mental health of school students in Austria in February 2021. A representative sample (n = 214) was drawn from a total survey sample of 3052 adolescents aged 14-20. The analysis revealed several areas of concern, including school-related concerns, concerns about restrictions, self-related concerns, and interpersonal problems. School-related concerns associated with distance learning were mentioned most frequently. Compared with research conducted at the beginning of the pandemic, it appeared that concerns about educational and professional futures increased. The analysis also indicated young people's most important sources of support, such as social contacts, recreational activities, attitudes and abilities, distraction, and escape. Of concern is the proportion of young people citing maladaptive coping strategies and the reluctance to seek professional support. Ideas for practice-oriented measures were developed from the study results, such as embedding youth-led peer interventions in traditional mental health services.

Automated summary

Adolescents have been greatly affected by the psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, with concerns about school, restrictions, self, and interpersonal problems. Compared to the beginning of the pandemic, they are more worried about their educational and professional futures. Their most important sources of support include social contacts, recreational activities, attitudes and abilities, as well as distraction and escape. However, it is concerning that some of them use maladaptive coping strategies and are reluctant to seek professional support.