As the second year of the pandemic begins, Americans between the ages of 13 and 24 are still experiencing high levels of stress caused by issues related to COVID-19.
A new study was published on Tuesday conducted by MTV Entertainment Group and the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. It found that Generation Z Americans had their social lives, educational and career goals, and wellbeing at risk from the pandemic.
MTV / AP-NORC conducted a survey of 2,683 Generation Z Americans and found that 38 percent found their family and other personal relationships a major source of stress. Personal finances and the uncertainty about how the COVID-19 pandemic will turn out in autumn were both major sources of stress for 37 percent of those surveyed.
32 percent said that fear of contracting COVID-19 was also a major cause of stress.
Our country is in a historic battle against the coronavirus. Add Changing America to yours. added Facebook or Twitter Feed to stay updated.
When it came to education, 65 percent of Generation Z respondents said it was very or extremely important to their identity. However, 46 percent believed that the pandemic had made it difficult to pursue their educational or professional goals. This is a significant difference to older generations, because only 36 percent of millennials see it the same way and only 31 percent of Generation X.
When asked how the pandemic shaped their wellbeing, 55 percent of Generation Z Americans said it was a lot or a little harder to have fun. Maintaining mental health was also seen as a struggle, with 49 percent saying it was much or a little more difficult.
46 percent also stated that pursuing professional or educational goals is also much or a little more difficult.
Teens and young adults shared a significant burden of the pandemic as schools were forced to go online, limiting the ability for students to socialize and interact with classmates and friends.
Cora Breuner, pediatrician at Seattle Children’s Hospital, said The Associated Press that the stress teens experienced during the pandemic was partly due to the stage of brain development they are in.
“It’s this perfect storm where you have isolated learning, less social interaction with your peers and parents who are also struggling with similar problems,” said Breuner.
Breuner explained that the school life of the young people is disturbed and many fall behind, they also lack the development to deal with stress and make decisions.
The new survey by MTV / AP-NORC is in line with another current study on students attends the University of Pittsburgh. The researchers found that nearly half of the study participants were at risk for clinical depression, compared with just over a third before the pandemic, a 36 percent increase.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh study argued that understanding the ongoing effects of the pandemic on lifestyle and mental well-being is critical to information policy. They estimated the short-term physical and mental health cost of the pandemic at $ 2.6 trillion and $ 1.6 trillion, respectively.
They warned that if lifestyle habits and mental well-being do not naturally recover as the pandemic subsides, intervention may be needed to help people regain feelings of normalcy.
LATEST NEWS ON THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
NEW STUDY DETAILS EXACTLY HOW MANY BOOSTER SHOTS WILL HELP YOU
TOP SOUTH AFRICA EXPERTS SAY OMICRON IS RISING IN CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS
Man caught trying to use false arm to get a vaccination shot
NEW HARVARD STUDY DECLARES WINNER BETWEEN PFIZER AND MODERNA VACCINES
SUPER ATHLETE REFUSES VACCINATION, DIES TRAGICALLY
Comments are closed.